28-09-2021
Skin and mucous membrane mycoses are diseases caused by pathogenic fungi. As the human body is equipped with many protective barriers against infection, they do not occur very often. It is only when the body's homeostasis is disturbed that pathogens can easily enter the body. Patient groups at particular risk of fungal infection include cancer patients, immunocompromised patients, patients on chronic antibiotic therapy and those with concomitant metabolic diseases.
The symptoms of cutaneous fungal infection often depend on the species causing the infection. The most common symptoms include erythematous and oedematous foci with papules and pustules on the periphery and erythematous and exfoliative foci with an inflammatory reaction. These lesions are most commonly located in the groin, buttocks and thighs.
If similar symptoms occur, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately for an appropriate diagnosis.
The examination involves taking a detailed history, viewing the lesions under a Wood's lamp and collecting material (scrapings) for culture on a special medium.
Treatment of mycosis fungoides is complex and involves both oral and topical preparations. The method of treatment and its duration is individual for each patient and depends on the location of the lesions, the severity of the infection and the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient.
