Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
Week 8 Discussion
Select one of the following discussion prompts to address:
- Describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and treatment of tinea capitis, atopic dermatitis, impetigo contagiosum, thrush, and molluscum contagiosum.
- Describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and treatment(s) for psoriasis, lichen planus, pemphigus, seborrheic keratosis, and actinic keratosis.
Use at least one scholarly source besides your textbook to connect your response to national guidelines and evidence-based research to support your ideas. Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
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Week 8 Discussion Post
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis is a dermatological fungal infection that affects the scalp hairs. It is caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum dermatophyte species and is very common in children. This paper highlights the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, and treatment of tinea capitis.
Pathophysiology
Dermatophyte infections are the causative agents of tinea capitis. On inoculation, the fungi centrifugally grow downwards into the stratum corneum and invade keratin. The infected hair loses its texture, becomes brittle and breaks (Leung et al., 2020). Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
Clinical Manifestation
The clinical presentation of tinea capitis varies based on the type of invasion, host resistance and the inflammatory response to the infection. The common presentation includes partial hair loss and mild or severe inflammation. Tinea capitis presents as a ring-shaped lesion accompanied by pruritus characterized by deep boggy areas (kerions). The affected areas can be marked with alopecia which can be partial or permanent (Leung et al., 2020).
Evaluation
Tinea capitis can be diagnosed through laboratory investigations such as microscopy and culture. Molecular techniques in polymerase chain reactions are also used in some settings. Skin scraping with potassium hydroxide wet mount microscopy to identify hyphae and spores (Leung et al., 2020). Culture involves growing the fungus and identifying the specific species. However, the culture results may take longer; thus, PCR offers fast results in identifying the causative dermatophyte.
Treatment
The drug of choice in the treatment of tinea capitis is griseofulvin. However, azole compounds such as itraconazole and fluconazole are used as alternative medications. Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
Atopic Dermatitis
This condition is also referred to as eczema and is characterized by inflammation, irritation, and redness of the skin (Kapur et al., 2018).
Pathophysiology
The disease results from genetic predisposition, disruption of the epidemic barrier, and dysregulation of the immune system. Skin inflammation and further sensitization could result from an impaired skin barrier, which precedes the development of atopic dermatitis (Kapur et al., 2018).
Clinical Manifestation
Atopic dermatitis presents itself as a red, itchy patchy on the skin. The rashes could ooze some clear fluid or bleed when a patient scratches.
Evaluation
Mostly, the condition is diagnosed through observation and taking of the history of the patient. A physician may conduct blood tests and biopsy of the affected area to rule out other conditions such as allergic reactions and cancer, respectively.
Treatment
Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines are the major treatment options for atopic dermatitis. Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
Impetigo Contagiosum
Impetigo is a common infection affected the top layer of the skin’s epidermis, which is contagious and mostly result from gram-positive bacteria (Gahlawat et al., 2022).
Pathophysiology
Impetigo results from bacterial infection. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Group A streptococcus, where the former accounts for 80% of the cases and the latter, 10% of the cases (Gahlawat et al., 2022). The two bacteria combined cause 10% of impetigo contagiosum cases (Gahlawat et al., 2022).
Clinical manifestation
Impetigo starts as an itchy score and as it heals, a crusty, yellow scab forms over the sore. Some of the symptoms are redness and itchiness that leak clear fluid and pus.
Evaluation
Impetigo is evaluated by looking at the sores on the body and skin and history-taking.
Treatment
Impetigo contagiosum is treated using antibiotics and topic ointments.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection growing in the mouth, throat, and different body parts.
Pathophysiology
Thrush results from an overgrowth of yeast, when a host’s immunity is affected. The growth of the yeast causes the epithelial cells of the skin to come off in flakes (Vila et al., 2020). The bacteria accumulate on the affected area.
Clinical Manifestation
Orally, the thrush presents itself as white lesions on the tongue and cheeks. In other body parts, the thrush symptoms are slightly raised lesions with a cheese-like appearance and an affected person may complain of symptoms of burning and soreness (Vila et al., 2020). Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
Evaluation
A physician may do a swab test to test for the presence of yeast in the affected area.
Treatment
The common treatments for thrush are clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin.
Molluscum Contagiosum
This is a viral skin infection characterized by painless bumps.
Pathophysiology
The condition is caused by a virus that reproduces in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells and yields cytoplasmic enclosures and causes amplification of the affected cells (Meza-Romero et al., 2019).
Clinical Manifestation
The condition presents itself as raised, round, and colored bumps on the skin (Meza-Romero et al., 2019).
Evaluation
The condition is diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. The lesions are unique and can easily be identified by observation (Meza-Romero et al., 2019).
Treatment
The lesions often disappear on their own. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if the lesions are infected. Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper
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References
Gahlawat, G., Tesfaye, W., Bushell, M., Abrha, S., Peterson, G. M., Mathew, C., Sinnollareddy, M., McMillan, F., Samarawickrema, I., Calma, T., Chang, A. Y., Engelman, D., Steer, A., & Thomas, J. (2021). Emerging treatment strategies for impetigo in endemic and Nonendemic settings: A systematic review. Clinical Therapeutics, 43(6), 986-1006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.04.013
Kapur, S., Watson, W., & Carr, S. (2018). Atopic dermatitis. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 14(S2). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6
Leung, A. K., Hon, K. L., Leong, K. F., Barankin, B., & Lam, J. M. (2020). Tinea capitis: an updated review. Recent patents on inflammation & allergy drug discovery, 14(1), 58-68. https://doi.org/10.2174/1872213X14666200106145624
Meza-Romero, R., Navarrete-Dechent, C., & Downey, C. (2019). <p>Molluscum contagiosum: An update and review of new perspectives in etiology, diagnosis, and treatment</p>. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 12, 373-381. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s187224
Vila, T., Sultan, A. S., Montelongo-Jauregui, D., & Jabra-Rizk, M. A. (2020). Oral candidiasis: A disease of opportunity. Journal of Fungi, 6(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6010015 Dermatological Fungal Infection Discussion Paper