Search

BACKGROUND: In modern times the number of zoonotic diseases caused by ground hedgehogs has increased, reflecting its popularity as exotic pets. CLINICAL CASE: A 12-year-old male patient with an inflammatory tinea manuum caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var erinacei, and also dermatophytid lichenoid reaction due to the contact with an African pygmy hedgehog. The treatment prescribed was oral antifungal agent with complete response of the lesions of the hand and the sterile ones. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years the cases of this type of dermatosis have increased because it has become very popular to keep these exotic animals as pets, so in case of suspicion it is important to carry out an adequate medical history and a thorough physical examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: Tinea manuum is considered in Italy as an uncommon infection, although no recent epidemiological data are available. Methods: In the period 2000‐2018, we observed in the metropolitan area of Milan 18 patients with mycologically tinea manuum. Results: The infection was monolateral in all patients and characterised by erythema and scaling; in two patients, each vesicles and pustules were present. Two patients had also onychomycosis of one fingernail. No cases of simultaneous tinea pedis were observed. As far as the job of these patients is concerned, seven of them were masseurs, three barbers, two cattlemen, two masons, one car mechanic, one florist, one maid and one veterinarian. Trichophyton rubrum was isolated in 6 patients, Microsporum canis in 4, Trichophyton gypseum in 3, Trichophyton verrucosum in 3 and Trichophyton violaceum in 2 patients. Conclusion: Masseurs were the most affected. Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis were the most frequent isolated dermatophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinea incognito is a dermatophyte infection with altered clinical appearance which is usually caused by the use of immunosuppressive agents such as topical corticosteroids. Hereby, we present a 59-year-old Caucasian male patient with tinea manuum on the dorsum of his left hand. The lesion was formerly misdiagnosed as psoriasis vulgaris and treated with topical corticosteroids. However, the symptoms were worsened. Moreover, new papules and pustules appeared within the lesion. The past medical history was remarkable for psoriasis vulgaris and he had an erythematous and squamous plaque on his lower back resembling psoriasis vulgaris. In order to reach a definitive diagnosis, the skin lesion on the dorsum of the patient's left hand was examined by light microscopy after the application of 10% potassium hydroxide solution. Detection of septate hyphae confirmed dermatophytosis. The lesion was completely healed with oral terbinafine 250 mg daily for four weeks. Dermatophyte infections in early stages may be misdiagnosed as psoriasis vulgaris and thus, prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to tinea incognito. Therefore, cutaneous lesions unresponsive to topical corticosteroid treatment should be evaluated with microscopic examination and fungal culture to confirm a suspected dermatophyte infection. Past medical history can provide useful information but a complete dermatological examination should be performed before the final diagnosis is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of tinea pedis and manuum (dermatophyte infections of the hands and feet) in adults in rural areas of Turkey, the risk factors and self-administered treatment options. A total of 2,574 people living in a rural area were enrolled in the study. Participants were asked demographic data, hygienic habits in a questionnaire. KOH preparations and culture were performed from suspicious lesions. Medical and alternative therapy methods and former dermatophytosis diagnosis history were taken from the respondents with suspicious lesions. Microbiological samples were taken from 285 (11.1%) participants. Culture was positive in 109 (4.2%) of those. The most common agent was Trichophyton rubrum. The predisposing factors were found as age older than 40, male gender and obesity. Forty-nine (44.9%) of patients had taken a medical therapy, 56 (51.4%) had performed non-medical methods (cologne, Lawsonia inermis-Henna and softener creams). Patient's education about the treatment compliance is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]