title: Superficial Fungal Infections.
abstract: Superficial fungal infections grow in dark and moist areas and invade various parts of the body. These infections are easily treatable in immunocompetent individuals. In immunosuppressed individuals, the presentation can be quite severe, requiring use of more potent antifungal agents. The treatment for these conditions consists of topical antifungal agents, creams, and oral systemic medications. The use of prednisone can alter the appearance of superficial fungal infections, making them difficult to diagnose. It is important for primary care providers to become adept at understanding the epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis techniques, and treatment options available.
authors.affiliation: PGY-3 Family Medicine Resident, Community Medicine Residency Program, Department of Family Medicine, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, H154, PO Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA. Electronic address: nkaushik@hmc.psu.edu.
authors.forename: Neha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kaushik
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine and Sports Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
authors.forename: George G A
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Pujalte
authors.affiliation: Division of Primary Care, Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, 1921 Alice Street, Waycross, GA 31501, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Reese
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D014005:Tinea / Q000145:classification
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents
keywords: Antifungal treatment; Candidiasis; Superficial fungal infection; Tinea barbae; Tinea capitis; Tinea corporis; Tinea pedis; Tinea versicolor