What Is Tinea Imbricata?
Tinea imbricata is a slow-growing fungal dermatological infection caused mainly by a mitotic species called Trichophyton concentrium. The condition is commonly observed in individuals residing in primitive and isolated regions of developing nations. It was considered to be endemic to the regions of Asia, the South Pacific, and South America. The condition is rarely encountered amongst the population of developed nations. Previously this condition was restricted to a particular geographical area based on the environmental condition; these days, as the traveling and emigration have increased, the disease's spread rate has increased considerably. Some studies have reported that the risk of developing tinea imbricate is associated with the autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The condition has a predilection in females and affects adults commonly. The rate of recurrence is high in these cases.
What Are the Types of Tinea Infections?
Tinea is a group of fungi that has many species and causes multiple infections in humans; these fungal infections are commonly found across the globe. Some of the most common infections caused by the tinea species include
Athlete’s Foot: The athlete's foot is a fungal infection called tinea pedis; this infection usually begins between the toes. The condition is named as it commonly occurs amongst athletes or people who wear tight footwear for long hours and have sweaty feet. The symptoms include itchy, cracked feet, which are scaly and scratchy. The skin over the site is inflamed and appears reddish, purple, or greyish. Sometimes even blisters develop over the site. The condition is contagious and spreads through contaminated floors, towels, and clothes. The lesion heals with topical over-the-counter antifungal agents, but if the lesions do not heal independently, a person must visit a doctor. Diabetics are at a higher risk of infection and require medical care at the earliest. Use airy footwear, clean socks, and change the socks regularly to prevent these infections. Use different pairs of shoes, and avoid stepping barefoot in public places. These precautions can prevent the occurrence of the disease.
Jock Itch: Jock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that resembles ringworm infection and affects the warm areas of the body. Individuals who sweat a lot are at risk of the disease. The condition is commonly found in athletes and obese people with a history of dermatological conditions like eczema. Common symptoms of the condition include itching, rash, and peeling skin. The condition is aggravated by using wet tight clothes, a wet bathrobe, having moisture in the groins, and being contaminated by an infected person. The condition is clinically diagnosed and can be treated by antifungal agents. Maintaining hygiene and keeping the area dry and clean is very important.
Scalp Ringworm: Scalp ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a fungal infection of the scalp; it commonly affects young children and adults, these infections can cause baldness at the site of infection, and the affected individual commonly has an itchy scalp, with circular lesions. The infection can spread from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms of the condition include baldness, brittle, fragile hair, and tender, painful round areas. Various other dermatological conditions may present similar appearances. Therefore, it is important to visit a physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Nail Infection: Fungal infections of the nails, which are also called onychomycosis, are common fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails. The infected fingernails appear thick, fragile, and cracked, which might concern a few people as the nail might appear ugly. The infection can spread through various means like trauma, where any fungi breach the skin near the toes and grow in the area there. Patients with diabetes and compromised immunity are at a higher risk of the disorder. These infections are difficult to treat. Therefore, it is very important to practice preventive measures like hygiene and avoiding roaming around barefoot.
Body Ringworm: This is a fungal infection that causes a rash on the body, which is itchy and painful. This rash is similar to that found in patients with scalp ringworm, as the causative agent is the same fungi. These rashes are also contagious and can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal agents.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Imbricata?
Tinea imbricata presents with typical lesions, which are brownish, red, scaly, pruritic (itchy) papules. These lesion progress in growing centrifugal and concentric rings, and later these lesions extend to form polycyclic papules, which can be inflamed. These lesions spread to form overlapping lesions with the fish scale or roof tile appearance. The most common site of the scales and papules are the limbs and toes, the lesions being superficial and cutaneous, and the patient does not develop any systemic symptoms.
How Is Tinea Imbricata Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of the condition is based purely on the clinical appearance and the lesions present. Diagnostic tests like potassium hydroxide wet-mount examination help in diagnosing the condition. This test is performed by scrapping the skin around the borders of the lesions. When observed under a microscope, these samples show short septate hyphae and a large number of chlamydoconidia.
How Is Tinea Imbricata Treated?
Treating tinea imbricata presents several challenges due to its geographical location of occurrence and environmental and cultural norms among the individuals residing there. The condition is currently treated with oral Terbinafine, which is also considered the drug of choice for infection with tinea imbricata. The healing rate can be accelerated by using a combination therapy consisting of oral and topical antifungal agents and other keratolytic agents. But the disease takes a longer duration, up to a few months, to heal completely and requires patient compliance. The condition can be fully treated only if a person adheres to the treatment. Any side effects of the medication can also complicate the management. Therefore as advised, prevention is better than cure.
What Are the Preventive Measures for Tinea Imbricata?
Tinea imbricata is a fungal infection that is restricted to certain geographical regions that are remote and indigenous. This makes it very difficult to prevent and treat the condition. This is due to the traditional practices, malnutrition, and the remote geographical location of the region. Therefore the disease still has a high prevalence rate amongst the native people of such locations. Therefore it is very important to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Practicing the following steps can help in decreasing the rate of occurrence up to a certain extent which includes:
Maintaining Hygiene:
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Washing hands and feet repeatedly to keep them clean.
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Keeping nails short to prevent any bacterial or fungal growth.
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Avoid walking barefoot in public places.
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Avoid using others' clothes and towels.
Conclusion:
Tinea Imbricata is a fungal infection that is commonly observed amongst the population of developing countries and is confined to certain geographical areas. If the infection is observed amongst individuals other than these confined areas, the person might have a history of travel to these areas. The condition presents with itchy, scaly rashes, which can be inflamed and painful, commonly occurring on the extremities. The condition is difficult to treat, and hence preventive measures are practiced.
