tinea

openevidence

there are over 40 species of fungus that produce clinical tinea infections

these 40 species exist across 3 generas

these three genera are:

trichophyton

microsporum

epidermophyton

now let’s pause and revisit taxonomy

thus, e.g. one organism causing tinea would be trichophyton rubrum

All tinea-causing species exist under the family arthrodermataceae

there is actually a group within the family of arthrodermataceae, which is called “dermatophyte” and refers to all fungi that infects the skin

under this group, only three of the outlined genera form tinea

all tinea species are multicellular

okay, that means all fungi of those three genera are multicellular

actually, all members of the group “dermatophyte” are multicellular

all members of the family “arthrodermataceae” are multicellular

does that mean that all fungi that infect the skin and nails are multicellular?

open evidence says no
it gets more complicated, because it refers to
- dermatophyte molds
- non dermateophyte molds
- filamentous, multicellular, hyphae
- yeast, unicellular etc.

I really need to understand fungi and how they are classified and described

a ring-like erythematous plaque-like lesion

central clearing

red border that is advancing

think of it like a donut

the donut is the infection, erythematous rash

the peripheral outer edge advances outwards

meanwhile preserving the central “hole” of the donut

Though they can have multiple concentric rings as well

named according to the LOCATION of infection

tinea corporis = non hairy skin of the trunk, arms, or legs

tinea cruris = groin, perineum, perianal

tinea pedis = feet, mostly interdigital

tinea mannum = hands, often the palms

tinea capitis =scalp

tina unguium (onchyomycosis) = of the nails

ones that end in “fine” or “azoles” are the best apparently

but note:

topical therapy is ineffective for tinea capitis, tina unguium

what about for tina cruris? miconazole?