Pharmaceutical: Fungal skin infections & topical therapy |02 September 2021
Fungal skin infections are common worldwide diseases and an estimated 20% to 25% of the world’s population suffers from one of them. Moreover, fungal skin infections are more likely to develop in people living in tropical climates.
This was said by Shibu Samuel, pharmacist/general manager at Central Point pharmacy, who in the following interview explains to us about this particular type of skin infection and the topical therapy used for treatment.
Seychelles NATION: Can you explain to us about fungal skin infections and their risk factors?
Shibu Samuel: Fungi that can cause superficial infections of hair, skin and nails are called Dermatophytes and they require keratin for growth. Dermatophytes are spread by direct contact from other people (anthropophilic organisms), animals (zoophilic organisms), soil (geophilic organisms), as well as indirectly from fomites.
Moist, warm skin provides the ideal environment for Dermatophytes to flourish. Areas that have a tendency to trap moisture are particularly welcoming to fungi; these include in between the toes, in the genital area, and underneath the breasts.
The most common infections in prepubertal children are ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) or the body (tinea corporis). In adolescents and adults, the most common infections are jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
Ringworm; Photo source: HuffPost UK
Jock Itch; Photo source: Mayo Clinic
Athlete’s Foot; Photo source: Healthline
Fungal skin infections are more likely to develop in people living in tropical climates or who wear tight, non-breathable clothing. Obese individuals or persons with diabetes are also at higher risk.
The dryness of the skin's outer layer discourages colonisation by microorganisms, and the shedding of epidermal cells keeps many microbes from establishing residence. However, the skin's mechanisms of protection may fail because of trauma, irritation, or maceration.
Furthermore, occlusion of the skin with nonporous materials can interfere with the skin's barrier function by increasing local temperature and hydration. With inhibition or failure of the skin's protective mechanisms, cutaneous infection may occur.
Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epider-mophyton species are the most common pathogens in skin infections. Less frequently, superficial skin infections are caused by non-dermatophyte fungi (e.g., Malassezia furfur in tinea [pityriasis] versicolor) and Candida species.
Fungal skin infections typically will not go away by themselves and may spread if not appropriately managed.
Seychelles NATION: How are these infections diagnosed and how are they treated?
Shibu Samuel:Dermatophyte infections can be readily diagnosed based on the history, physical examination, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy.
Topical therapy is used for most Dermatophyte infections. Clinicians typically treat these infections with topical antifungal creams, lotions, ointments, and powders.
Photo source: Verywell Fit
When using topical antifungal drugs, patients must be aware of common adverse effects (AEs), such as application site irritation and hypersensitivity reactions. These AEs are rarely systemic.
When patients fail to respond to topical therapy or have extensive skin involvement, they may need an oral antifungal agent. Systemic antifungals, however, increase the need to consider drug interactions.
Image source: Shibu Samuel
For more information, contact Central Point pharmacy at Le Chantier Mall:
- Telephone: 4 225 574
- Email: cppharmacy@live.com
- Follow: Central Point Pharmacy page on Facebook and centralpointpharmacy account on Instagram
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