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Advanced Dermatophytosis (Tinea)

Severe, extensive or treatment-resistant fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Advanced Dermatophytosis (Tinea)?

Advanced dermatophytosis refers to extensive, deep, recurrent or antifungal-resistant skin infections caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton species.

In recent years globally, terbinafine-resistant strains of Trichophyton indotineae and Trichophyton mentagrophytes have caused chronic and disabling tinea corporis, cruris and pedis with prominent inflammation and pruritus.

Diagnosis relies on direct microscopy with KOH, fungal culture and increasingly molecular identification with antifungal susceptibility testing in refractory cases.

Symptoms

Extensive annular plaques on the trunk and extremities
Severe pruritus disturbing sleep
Deep tinea barbae or tinea capitis with pustules
Persistent tinea cruris and tinea pedis
Onychomycosis with multiple nails affected
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Failure of standard topical or oral antifungal therapy

Risk Factors

Travel to or origin from regions with antifungal-resistant strains
Inappropriate use of topical corticosteroid combinations
Immunosuppression including diabetes and HIV
Hot and humid climates
Close contact with infected animals or family members
Contact sports and shared facilities
Inadequate antifungal duration in previous treatment

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Worsening tinea despite several courses of antifungal therapy
  • Painful inflammatory plaques or kerion
  • Suspected superinfection with bacteria
  • Spread to face, scalp or genital area
  • Multiple family members affected
  • Concomitant immunosuppression
  • Recurrent disease after stopping therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Discontinuation of topical corticosteroid combinations
02
KOH microscopy and fungal culture with species identification
03
Susceptibility testing in resistant cases
04
Prolonged oral itraconazole when terbinafine resistance is suspected
05
Topical antifungal supplementation
06
Decontamination of clothing, bedding and shared items
07
Treatment of contacts and animals when relevant

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.