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Dermatophytosis (Tinea) and Other Superficial Fungal Infections

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Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Infections

Part of the book series: Infectious Disease ((ID))

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the dermatophytosis and other superficial mycoses describing their epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic procedures, differential diagnosis, and current treatment. The most common dermatophyte fungi belong to the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton genera, which have worldwide distribution. The diagnostic procedures are direct mycological examination, culture, and species identification, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Systemic and topical antifungal therapies are described to achieve safety and the best therapeutic outcome. New techniques such as photodynamic therapy and laser treatment for onychomycosis are discussed.

Tinea versicolor is a worldwide infection that predominates in hot and humid climates. The proper diagnosis is easily made. We describe the different etiological agents, clinical pictures, and differential diagnoses involved in this fungal infection and selection of the best treatment options.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Facultad de Medicina y Hospital Universitario “Dr. Jose E. Gonzalez”, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Ave Madero y Gonalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

    Oliverio Welsh

  2. Department of Microbiology, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon School of Medicine, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

    Gloria M. Gonzalez

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  1. Oliverio Welsh
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  2. Gloria M. Gonzalez
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Correspondence to Oliverio Welsh .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University Of Texas Health Science Cente, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    Duane R. Hospenthal

  2. University of Texas, San Antonio Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    Michael G. Rinaldi

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Welsh, O., Gonzalez, G. (2015). Dermatophytosis (Tinea) and Other Superficial Fungal Infections. In: Hospenthal, D., Rinaldi, M. (eds) Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Infections. Infectious Disease. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13090-3_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13090-3_21

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-13089-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-13090-3

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