Trichophytosis
Trichophytosis is a dermatomycosis caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton.
Etiology
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- Trichophytosis superficial and chronic – pathogens Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton tonsurans
- Trichophytosis infiltrative-suppurative – pathogens Trichophyton menta-grophyles var. granulosum, Trichophyton verrucosum.
Clinical picture and classification
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- Trichophytosis superficial (ringworm, dry Trichophytosis of the scalp, ringworm of the scalp). Multiple erythematous-squamous foci of alopecia with a diameter of 0.5-1 cm. The hair in the lesions is broken off at the level of the hair follicles, which gape in the form of black dots or are represented by fragments 1-2 mm high. Among the broken hairs, individual unaffected hairs are noted. Small foci can merge, forming larger ones, up to several centimeters in diameter (large-focal form). In some cases, increased hyperkeratosis is observed, masking broken hair (hyperkeratotic form). Sometimes the lesions are infiltrative, exudative (infiltrative form). Subjective sensations are traditionally absent. On smooth skin, pink-red spots are noted, rounded in shape, with clear boundaries. Their surface is covered with scales, small bubbles, crusts. Nail lesions are not observed.
- Trichophytosis chronic adults. If superficial trichophytosis does not end with spontaneous recovery, it transforms into chronic adult trichophytosis. On small erythematous-squamous atrophic areas on the scalp, broken hairs in the form of black dots are visible. Sometimes the foci of alopecia are almost invisible, and upon careful examination, only single broken hairs are found in the form of black dots, more often in the parietal-temporal region. Areas of chronic trichophytosis on smooth skin are pink-violet, sometimes with slight desquamation or vesiculation, erythematous or papular rashes, the periphery of which is more active than the central part. Patients with chronic trichophytosis are a source of infection for babies with superficial trichophytosis.
- Trichophytosis infiltrative suppurative affects the scalp, beard and mustache area, as well as smooth skin. Purulent follicular abscesses, hair loss, enlargement of regional lymph nodes, and malaise are characteristic. Smooth skin is dominated by flat plaques with isolated papules on the plane, transforming into pustular elements.
Research methods, treatment, prevention – see Dermatomycosis.