Skin Disorders in Elderly Persons: Fungal Infections

Cutaneous CandidiasisOral CandidiasisPerlcheErosio InterdigitalisBlastomyceticaOnychomycosisTinea PedisTinea CorporisTinea ManuumFungal Folliculitis

Figure 1 –

An annular plaque with a rim of scaly erythema arose on this woman's back. Tinea corporis was diagnosed.

Figure 2 –

The polycyclic annuli on this patient's torso were suspected to be tinea corporis. A potassium hydroxide evaluation confirmed the diagnosis.

Tinea Corporis

Tinea corporis occurs most often on the torso of elderly persons. It commonly appears as an annular plaque with a rim of scaly erythema (Figure 1). Occasionally, tinea corporis manifests with polycyclic annuli (Figure 2) or with nummular plaques, which mimic nummular dermatitis. The examination of a potassium hydroxide preparation can establish the diagnosis. Tinea corporis can be treated effectively with a topical antifungal agent.

References:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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• Loo DS. Onychomycosis in the elderly: drug treatment options. Drugs Aging. 2007;24:293-302.
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• Weinberg JM, Scheinfeld NS. Cutaneous infections in the elderly: diagnosis and management. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16:195-205.
• Weinberg JM, Vafaie J, Scheinfeld NS. Skin infections in the elderly. Dermatol Clin. 2004;22:51-61.