Key messages
- Sharply demarcated erythematous scaling plaques or pustules in the genital region should raise suspicion of tinea, especially after sexual intercourse in South East Asia.
- To avoid irreversible scarring alopecia, prompt initiation of antifungal treatment and adequate isolation and identification of the pathogen is essential.
- Marked inflammatory reaction after starting antifungal treatment is frequent and requires systemic prednisone.
Investigation on recent
cases of tinea genitalis after travelling to South East Asia.
Methods
Patients with tinea in
the genital region, which emerged after sex in South East Asia, underwent
further assessment including microscopy, cultures and DNA analyses.
Results
The case series includes
seven patients. In six patients, Trichophyton interdigitale (former Trichophyton mentagrophytes)
was detected. Three patients suffered from a severe inflammatory reaction of
the soft tissue and two of them needed hospitalisation due to severe pain. In
four patients, cicatrising healing was noticed. Five patients were declared
incapacitated for work.
Conclusions
Sexual activity should
be considered as a potentially important and previously underappreciated means
of transmission of T. interdigitale. To avoid
irreversible scarring alopecia, prompt initiation of antifungal treatment is
essential and adequate isolation and identification of the pathogen is
mandatory.
Below: Erythematous scaling plaques and follicular pustules in an 18-year-old patient
Full article at: http://goo.gl/5kbCMt
By:
1Outpatient
Clinic of Dermatology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
2Department of
Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Correspondence to Professor Dr Stephan Lautenschlager,
Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology, Triemli Hospital, Herman Greulichstrasse 70,
Zurich CH-8004, Switzerland; Email: hc.hcireuz.ilmeirt@regalhcsnetual.nahpets
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