Fungal Infections

Malassezia furfur, a lipophilic (oil-loving) yeast/fungus.

The etiologic (causative) agent of Tinea Versicolor. It is part of normal human flora found in 18% of infants and 90-100% of adults. Exist in both spore and hyphal forms. While it's part of normal human flora, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen.

other skin conditions such as Pityrosporum folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and some forms of atopic dermatitis.

What other conditions is Malassezia furfur linked to

Tinea Flava (Tinea alba)

A common, benign, superficial fungal infection causing hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation on the skin, usually on the back or chest.

Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor)

A common condition causing small patches of skin to become scaly and discolored. The patches may be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.

Systemic Infections: Affect internal organs (e.g., lungs, blood, heart, brain).

Superficial Mycoses: Affect the skin, nails, and scalp

two main types of fungal infections

Tinea (Ringworm)

Fungi invade keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) → cause superficial infection with inflammation, scaling, and itching.

risk factors for fungal infections

Use of certain antibiotics

Use of corticosteroids

Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, leukemia)

Compromised immune system

Environmental factors (e.g., warm, moist areas)

Transmission (e.g., person-to-person or object-to-person)

clinical manifestations of Tinea versicolor

abnormal pigmentation in the trunk, back, abdomen, proximal extremities, and face. Lesions vary in color, from white to reddish brown or fawn-colored, with a fine, dust-like scale. Mild pruritus

treatment options for Tinea versicolor

Topical agents like miconazole, ciclopirox olamine, propylene glycol lotion, topical terbinafine, and benzoyl peroxide.

Oral medications if necessary.

Tinea Capitis (Scalp RIngworm)

Scaly patches, hair loss, itching, black dots on scalp.

Tinea capitis diagnostics

Wood's lamp (fluorescence), KOH microscopy, fungal culture.

Tinea capitis management

Medical: Griseofulvin or Terbinafine PO; antifungal shampoo (selenium sulfide).

Nursing: Encourage hygiene, avoid sharing combs/hats.

Tinea Barbae (Barber's Itch)

fungal infection that affects the bearded areas of the face and neck, and is limited to adult males. Red papules, pustules, crusting; possible folliculitis in the beard and mustache area.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes, originating from cattle, and Trichophyton verrucosum from horses.

most common causes of Tinea Barbae

Mild superficial form of Tinea Barbae

Causes erythema and perifollicular papules and pustules. Hair may be brittle and lustreless.

Inflammatory form of Tinea Barbae

Deep, pustular kerion with crusts and abscess-like appearance, affecting the neck, chin, or maxillary area. Hair becomes brittle and alopecia may occur.

Circinate variety in TInea Barbae

Spreading vesiculo-pustular border with central scaling.

Tinea Barbae management

Topical or oral antifungal (Terbinafine/Ketocanzole), clean shaving tools.

Tinea Corporis (Body Ringworm)

Annular, scaly lesions with raised borders and central clearing ("ring") found in the trunk and limbs

Dry type

Type of Tinea Corporis characterized by macular areas of reddish or yellowish-brown color, sometimes slightly elevated from surrounding skin.

Moist type

Less common type of TInea Corporis and can arise from the dry form, rapidly becoming pustular due to secondary infection.

Tinea corporis management

Topical clotrimazole or miconazole × 2-4 weeks.

Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)

common fungal infection that affects the feet, often associated with sports and athletes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like socks, shoes, locker rooms, and public showers. Itching, peeling, maceration, foul odor of the feet, especially between toes.

diagnosed by scraping the scaling skin and inspecting it under a microscope for evidence of the fungus.

How is athlete's foot diagnosed

Tinea Pedis management

Dry feet thoroughly, antifungal powder/cream, change socks regularly. Keep feet clean and dry

Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis)

fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, affecting the nail matrix, bed, or plate, and can cause pain, discomfort, and disfigurement.

Tinea Unguium management

Oral Terbinafine or Itraconazole for several months; nail hygiene.

Plain yogurt (contains live lactobacilli strains) for yeast infections.

Coconut oil for fungal skin infections (due to fatty acids).

Garlic for skin infections.

Apple cider vinegar for antimicrobial properties.

Cranberry juice for urinary tract infections and fungal infections.

five home remedies to treat fungal infections

Candidiasis

fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans. It often leads to vaginal yeast infections in women but can also cause fungal toenail infections, diaper rashes, and oral thrush

Antibiotics

Stress

Hormonal imbalances

Poor eating habits

What can cause an overgrowth of Candida

Cutaneous Candidiasis

involves fungal infections on the skin, especially in warm, moist areas such as the armpits and groin. It is more common in people who are obese, have diabetes, or are undergoing antibiotic or steroid therapy.

Actinomyces israelii (anaerobic, gram-positive filamentous bacterium—acts like fungus).

Causative agent of Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis

Organism enters through mucosal break → chronic granulomatous infection with abscess formation and draining sinuses. Susceptible in those with Poor oral hygiene, dental extraction, trauma, immunosuppression.

Actinomycosis manifestation

Cervicofacial ("lumpy jaw") swelling, draining pus with sulfur granules. Thoracic or abdominal abscesses in severe cases.

Actinomycosis diagnostics

Microscopic exam of pus (sulfur granules), culture.

Actinomycosis management

Medical: Penicillin G high dose for weeks to months; surgical drainage if needed.

Nursing: Encourage oral hygiene, monitor for recurrence.

Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus.

Causative agent of Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis

Inhaled spores colonize lungs → allergic reaction or invasive pulmonary infection (especially in immunocompromised).

Aspergillosis manifestation

Allergic type: Wheezing, cough, asthma-like symptoms.

Invasive type: Fever, chest pain, hemoptysis.

Aspergillosis diagnostics

Chest X-ray/CT (fungal ball), sputum culture, galactomannan antigen test.

Aspergillosis Management

Medical: Voriconazole (first-line), Amphotericin B or Itraconazole as alternatives.

Surgical: Removal of fungal ball if localized.

Nursing: Infection control, respiratory monitoring, support oxygenation.

Blastomyces dermatitidis (dimorphic fungus).

Causative agent of Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis

Inhalation of spores → pulmonary infection → may disseminate to skin, bones, and genitourinary tract.

Blastomycosis manifestations

Cough, fever, chest pain.

Skin lesions (ulcerative nodules).

Blastomycosis Diagnostics

Sputum or tissue culture, CXR, histopathologic exam (broad-based budding yeast).

Blastomycosis management

Medical: Itraconazole for mild/moderate; Amphotericin B for severe cases.

Nursing: Monitor respiratory status, educate about long-term therapy.

Histoplasma capsulatum (dimorphic fungus).

Causative agent of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis

Inhalation of spores from bird/bat droppings → infection in lungs → may disseminate via bloodstream.

Histoplasmosis manifestation

Acute: Fever, cough, chest pain, malaise.

Chronic: Weight loss, night sweats, progressive pulmonary symptoms.

Disseminated: Hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, ulcerations.

Histoplasmosis diagnostics

Histoplasma antigen in urine/serum, sputum culture, chest imaging

Histoplasmosis management

Medical: Itraconazole (mild/moderate); Amphotericin B (severe).

Nursing: Respiratory monitoring, patient education on avoiding exposure sources.