title: Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea nigra, and piedra.
abstract: Tinea infections are among the most common dermatologic conditions throughout the world. To avoid a misdiagnosis, identification of dermatophyte infections requires both a fungal culture on Sabouraud's agar media, and a light microscopic mycologic examination from skin scrapings. Topical antifungals may be sufficient for treatment of tinea corporis and cruris and tinea nigra, and the shaving of hair infected by piedra may also be beneficial. Systemic therapy, however, may be required when the infected areas are large, macerated with a secondary infection, or in immunocompromised individuals. Preventative measures of tinea infections include practicing good personal hygiene; keeping the skin dry and cool at all times; and avoiding sharing towels, clothing, or hair accessories with infected individuals.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Center (Sunnybrook Site), University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada. agupta@execulink.com
authors.forename: Aditya K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: Boni
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Elewski
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010854:Piedra / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014005:Tinea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014008:Tinea Pedis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents