Cutaneous Fungus Infections in Children
James E. Rasmussen MD1
1 Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Cutaneous fungus infection in children may be either superficial or deep. The most common superficial infections include tinea versicolor, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and candidiasis. "Ringworm" is a common term used to describe these infections, stemming from the fact that "tinea" is Latin for "worm" or "moth." The only deep fungal infection discussed in this review is sporotrichosis.
Diagnostic Methods
All forms of superficial fungal infection can be diagnosed easily with a variety of quick, simple, and inexpensive diagnostic methods. Once mastered, the tests need not be used on patients with obvious diagnoses; nevertheless, confirmation of one's clinical impression is personally satisfying and often important.
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
Superficial fungal infections of the skin involve the outer portion of the epidermis, including the hair and nails. Hyphae and spores are visible easily with low-to-moderate microscopic magnification. With the exception of mucous membranes or eroded surfaces (as often found in the case of candidiasis), skin and hair for sampling should be moistened with a drop of water or an alcohol swab. The skin should be abraded gently with the round belly of a 15 blade at the active margin of tinea corporis or, in the case of tinea capitis, any place where alopecia is visible.
