Infectious Diseases of the Skin

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Infectious Diseases of the Skin
Infectious diseases are caused by biological
agents, rather than by genetic, physical or
chemical agents. Infectious diseases are usually
qualified as contagious diseases (also called
communicable diseases) due to their potentiality
of transmission from one person or species to
another.
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RINGWORM
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RINGWORM

• Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is a skin
  infection, characterized by a reddish raised
  patch of skin that may sometimes be lighter in
  the middle, looking like a ring.
• Although called ringworm, this infection is not
  caused by a worm but by parasitic fungi. These
  fungi feed on keratin, the material found in the
  outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. They also
  thrive best on skin that is moist, hot, and away
  from light.
• Ringworm is very common, can occur anywhere in
  the body, and may be spread by skin-to-skin
  contact, as well as through contact with
  contaminated items.

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RINGWORM

• Ringworm is mildly contagious and because it is a
  common infection in domestic animals, humans can
  easily become infected through close contact with
  them.
• Treatment of ringworm involves use of a topical
  anti fungal cream, many of which can be bought
  over the counter without a prescription.
  Treatment may last several weeks.
• In order to prevent ringworm
• Retain from sharing clothing, sports equipment,
  towels, or sheets.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Keep skin clean and dry.

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ATHLETES FOOT
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ATHLETES FOOT

• Athlete's foot, also known as Tinea pedis, is a
  parasitic fungal infection of the epidermis of
  the foot. It is usually caused by mold or by
  yeast that grows on the surface of the skin. It
  usually occurs between the toes, but may spread
  to the bottom and sides of the foot.
• This infection is more common in males than
  females. It is also the second most common skin
  disease in the United States, after acne,
  affecting about 15 of the population.
• Athlete's foot causes scaling, flaking and
  itching of the affected skin. Blisters and
  cracked skin may also occur, leading to exposed
  raw tissue, pain, swelling and inflammation.

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ATHLETES FOOT

• Athlete's foot is typically transmitted in moist
  environments where people walk barefoot, such as
  showers and locker rooms. It can also be
  transmitted by sharing shoes or towels with an
  infected person.
• There are many anti fungal medications for the
  treatment of athlete's foot. But along with
  medication it is important to practice good
  hygiene - it alone can cure athlete's foot in
  30-40 of the cases.
• To prevent athletes foot Dry feet well after
  showering, wear lightweight cotton socks and
  shoes that allow your feet to breathe, avoid
  sharing footwear and towels, use foot powder to
  reduce sweat and avoid walking barefoot.

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BLASTOMYCOSIS
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BLASTOMYCOSIS

• Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the
  organism Blastomyces dermatitidis. It was first
  described by Thomas Casper Gilchrist in 1894 and
  is sometimes referred to Gilchrists disease or
  Chicago disease.
• It occurs in people that live in the
  south-central and Midwestern United States and
  Canada (because of the acidic soil found there).
  Out of every 100,000 people 1-2 people are
  infected.
• Infection occurs by inhalation of the fungus,
  which is found in wood and soil. Once inhaled in
  the lungs, they multiply and may spread through
  the blood to other organs.

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BLASTOMYCOSIS

• Some of the symptoms seen with blastomycosis are
  cough, shortness of breath, sweating, fever,
  fatigue, uneasiness, weight loss, joint and
  muscle stiffness and pain, rash, skin lesions,
  chest pain.
• The treatment of choice for most forms of the
  disease is Itraconazole given orally. Cure rates
  are high, and the treatment over a period of
  months is usually well tolerated.
• There isnt really a way to prevent
  blastomycosis. The only thing you can try to do
  is to avoid areas where the infection is known to
  occur to help prevent exposure to the fungus.

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QUESTIONS

• 1. Ringworm is a disease caused by direct contact
  with a worm.
• A. True
• B. False
• 2. Which of the following is not a cause of
  athletes foot?
• A. Walking barefoot
• B. Wearing open shoes
• C. Sharing footwear
• D. Wearing wet socks

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QUESTIONS

• 3. What is a symptom of ringworm?
• A. Reddish raised patches
• B. Deep wounds
• C. Bruises
• D. Excessive bleeding
• 4. Infection of blastomycosis begins in
• A. The brain
• B. The lungs
• C. The heart
• D. The kidneys