How to treat microsporia in humans? Modern features of the clinic and treatment of microsporia Microsporum treatment.

Microsporia is an infectious disease of a fungal nature. Counts fairly common appears in about 0.5% of cases.

Most susceptible the emergence and development of the disease in young children, since it is during this period that the child is most active, because he learns the world around him, often comes into contact with animals, without fully realizing the need to observe the rules of personal hygiene.

According to statistics, boys are most often affected, although there are no proven facts of gender dependence. O symptoms and treatment microsporia in children will be described in the article.

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Characteristics of the disease

Microsporia in children - photo:

Microsporia is a disease caused by fungus of the microsporium species. This pathology is characterized by a high degree of contagiousness, and you can get infected not only from a sick animal, but also from a person. Although cases of transmission from person to person are the least common.

Getting on the skin of the child, the pathogen is introduced into it, begins actively breed. The incubation period is from 2 weeks to 2 months. After its expiration, the child shows characteristic symptoms of the disease.

The pathogen can affect the skin on any part of the body, as well as the area of ​​the scalp. In rare cases, a fungal infection affects the nails.

If the pathogen affects the area of ​​​​the body on which there is a hairline, hair shaft and follicle is destroyed which leads to its loss.

That is why specific bald patches appear in the affected areas of the skin (especially when it comes to the scalp).

The disease is most common in children. For this there are special the reasons:

Causes and risk factors

The root cause of the onset and development of the disease - infection of a child with a fungal infection, which becomes possible in contact with:

• infected animals;
• a sick person;
• contaminated household items;
• contaminated soil.

Exists a number of risk factors, which increase the likelihood of infection. These include:

• climatic conditions, such as hot weather, high humidity;
• weakness of the child's immune system;
• hyperhidrosis;
• non-observance of hygiene rules;
• damage to the skin, violation of its integrity;

Ways of infection

You can get infected through household contact, that is, by direct contact with a sick person or animal.

Moreover, the second option is much more common.

Infection can also occur when using personal belongings of the patient or objects that have hair or microparticles of the skin of an infected animal.

Incubation period

Depending on the form of the disease, the incubation period may have a different duration. So, with the zoophilic form of the disease, from the moment of infection until the first symptoms appear, about 7-14 days.

If anthropophilic microsporia occurs, the duration of the incubation period is increased, it can be up to 2 months.

Types and forms of the disease

Depending on the method of infection and the location of skin manifestations, several varieties of the disease are distinguished.

Classification criterion	The form of the disease and its characteristics
Transmission method	anthropophilic form. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person or his personal belongings. zoophilic form. The source of infection is an infected animal, as well as objects on which its hair, skin particles turned out. geophilic form. Infection occurs upon contact with soil in which spores of a pathogenic fungus have entered. This species is considered the rarest.
Place of localization	Skin covers. On the smooth skin of a child, 1-3 foci of infection are formed in the form of spots with a diameter of 0.5-2 cm. Most often, spots occur on the shoulders, face, and neck. Hairy part of the head. In the temporal and parietal region of the head, 1-2 large lesions appear. In some cases, the child may appear and several smaller foci. Nails. A white spot forms on the surface of the nail plate, which grows over time, destroying the nail. If left untreated, the infection spreads to the hands or feet. This situation is extremely rare.

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Symptoms and signs

Depending on the location of the lesions, there may be different symptoms pathology.

However, there is a number of features, which are considered common to all forms. These include:

1. The appearance of red spots is the main symptom of microsporia. Spots can occur anywhere on the body.
2. After a while, the spots become covered with small white scales.
3. Severe itching and peeling on the affected areas of the skin.
4. Increase in body temperature. This symptom is optional; many children suffering from microsporia do not have hyperthermia.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes, most often in the neck.

Symptoms of skin microsporia

Symptoms of microsporia of the scalp

At the initial stage, 1 lesion occurs - a rounded pink spot, up to several cm in diameter. The spot has clear boundaries, slightly rises above the surface of healthy skin. Over time, the size of the spot increases, it acquires a denser structure. A specific roller is formed along the edges of the spot, which consists of a bubble rash and a crust. The inflammatory process in the center of the spot gradually subsides, the skin becomes lighter. On the skin of a child, other foci of inflammation may also occur. This happens with re-infection.

Scaly patches appear on the scalp. At the roots of the hair, white scales form that surround the hair. The quality of the hairline deteriorates, the hair becomes weakened, brittle, lose shine. The hair shaft breaks off, short hairs about 0.5 cm long remain on the child’s head. The remaining hair is covered with a grayish coating, which consists of fungal spores. The skin on the affected area becomes inflamed, acquires a red tint.

Complications and consequences

With timely treatment of microsporia does not leave behind any complications.

If the therapy is late, or completely absent, the appearance of such unpleasant consequences as the appearance of suppuration is possible.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis the doctor needs:

The symptoms of microsporia are similar to those of other diseases. Diagnostic methods allow differentiate this pathology. with diseases such as alopecia areata, psoriasis, lichen planus.

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Methods of treatment and drugs

To eliminate the causes and symptoms of the disease, various medications. The choice of this or that drug is carried out by the doctor depending on the form of the disease, its severity.

For oral administration	Local funds	Shampoos
You need to take antifungal drugs. Medicines for oral administration are prescribed for severe illness, extensive infection. Used drugs such as: Griseofulvin; Terbinafine; Itraconazole.	In case of damage to the skin, when the vellus hair on the body remained intact, it is sufficient to use external agents, such as: ointments based on sulfur, salicylic acid, tar.	Before washing the hair, shave off the hair (this must be done once a week). The composition of the therapeutic shampoo should include substances such as selenium sulfide, Ketoconazole.

Traditional medicine

In addition to the main methods of therapy, folk recipes can also be used, such as:

Care rules

To prevent the spread of infection, the following rules must be observed:

1. The child should have separate hygiene items (comb, towel, washcloth, etc.).
2. Baby clothes should be washed in hot water with powder.
3. Boil toys and personal belongings of the child.
4. Furniture and other items in the children's room are recommended to be disinfected with a fungus-destroying agent.

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Prevention measures

You can reduce the risk of infection following the simple rules of prevention:

Microsporia is an unpleasant disease, caused by a fungal infection. Most often, carriers of the pathogen are animals, including domestic ones. Infection from a sick person is observed much less frequently.

Pathology is accompanied by characteristic symptoms that can be seen even with the naked eye, however, for an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to visit a doctor.

Treatment consists of taking antifungal drugs, using topical agents and medicated shampoos. The choice of the method of therapy is carried out by the doctor.

You can learn about the symptoms and treatment of microsporia in children from the video:

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Microsporia in humans is also transmitted by household means. Spores tend to accumulate under skin scales. Once in the external environment, the fungus is viable for another 1-3 months. Therefore, you can catch the disease when sharing bed linen, towels, toys, hair combs and other daily items.

Microsporia with a long and mild course sometimes goes away on its own when the child enters the phase of puberty. Children get sick much more often than adults, but among adults, microsporia is more common in young women. The fungus is able to remain viable for several months, even after hitting the soil. In this case, the soil acts only as a carrier of the infection, but not the source of the disease.

Microsporia can be completely cured, the outcome of the disease is favorable. If the disease is not treated, then by the period of puberty, self-healing occurs. Microsporia, which is transmitted from sick animals, is characterized by seasonality, more often outbreaks of the disease occur in late summer and early autumn.

A photo

Microsporia of the scalp

Microsporia of the scalp affects mostly children 5-12 years old. More often, the temporal and parietal regions, including the crown, become the sites of fungal infection. The disease is manifested by oval or round foci with clear contours and a size of 5 cm.

At the beginning of the disease, the fungus is localized at the mouth of the hair follicle, forming a white annular scale surrounding the hair like a cuff. As the process progresses, after a week, microsporia affects 100% of the hair, which breaks off as a result, as it becomes brittle.

The remaining hair loses its luster and appears dull, as it is covered with a gray-white sheath formed from the spores of the fungus. The skin of the affected area becomes edematous, reddened with scales of a white-gray hue.

When an additional infection is attached, suppuration develops, which is characterized by the presence of a pronounced inflammatory process. Scales appear on the surface, when raised, pus is released. Suppuration develops in the absence of a full-fledged treatment of microsporia or in the presence of a serious concomitant pathology.

Microsporia of smooth skin

In the zone of penetration of the fungus, a red edematous spot is formed, rising above the skin, with clear boundaries, which gradually increases. A raised ridge of nodules, crusts and vesicles forms along the edge of the spot.

In the center, inflammation is resolved, acquiring a pale pink hue, on the surface - pityriasis peeling. Lesions in the form of a ring do not cause subjective sensations or are accompanied by moderate itching.

As a rule, the fungus affects the skin of the neck, face, forearms and shoulders. The skin of the soles, palms and nail plates is rarely affected. In young children, young women, inflammation is pronounced, and peeling is minimal. With a tendency to allergies, the fungus is masked, making it difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of microsporia

With microsporia of smooth skin, pinkish-red spots appear on the body, which are distinguished by the following features:

Which doctors to contact with microsporia

Treatment of microsporia

When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you need to contact a dermatologist. After the diagnosis, the doctor will draw up a suitable treatment regimen. Treatment of microsporia in humans is determined by the type and severity of the disease, as well as the characteristics of the course.

Microsporia of smooth areas of the skin is usually treated with antifungal ointments:

• Clotrimazole;
• Terbinafine;
• Bifonazole;
• Cyclopirox;
• Iconazole.

Areas of skin lesions are treated with iodine, which acts as an antiseptic and at the same time dries the skin tissue. In addition, tar, sulfuric and salicylic ointments, which have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties, are sometimes included in the course of treatment.

In the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp, the same topical antifungal drugs are used. In addition, it is extremely important to wash your hair at least twice a week. With a strong spread of the process, doctors recommend to shave off the hair for a while, which has a positive effect on the effectiveness of therapeutic procedures.

In complicated cases, patients are prescribed oral administration of the specific antibiotic Griseofulvin. In addition, speed up recovery:

• immunomodulatory drugs;
• herbal infusions;
• multivitamin complexes.

The patient is isolated for treatment. Therapy is carried out both in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. It is important to keep the room clean, do not forget about disinfection, changing and washing bed linen.

Folk remedies for the treatment of microsporia

The following traditional medicines are used:

apply napkins moistened with fresh onion juice to the lesions;

lubricate the lesions with tincture of common lilac flowers: pour two tablespoons of dried flowers with 100 milliliters of 70% alcohol, insist and strain;

wash the lesions with a decoction of celandine grass: pour one tablespoon of dry grass with a glass of water and boil over low heat for 10-12 minutes, cool, strain; alternate with other means;

lubricate the affected areas with propolis oil: chop 15-20 grams of propolis with a knife, pour 50 grams of vegetable oil and heat in a water bath or in the oven until the oil boils, stirring occasionally; let the oil boil two or three times; wax will settle to the bottom of the dish, and propolis will dissolve in oil; when the cooked oil has cooled down - carefully drain from the sediment;

lubricate the affected areas with an ointment prepared using the following collection: burdock roots - two parts, hop cones - two parts, marigold flowers - one part; preparation of the drug: pound 10-15 grams of the dry mixture in a mortar into powder and mix with 40 grams of petroleum jelly.

Microsporia in children

Microsporia in children is a fungal disease that affects the smooth skin and scalp; in rare cases, the nails are affected.

The reasons

Microsporia develops in children when a fungus called microsporum gets on the skin. The source of the spread of this fungus is a person who has become ill with microsporia or domestic animals (cats, dogs). Infection also occurs through objects used by the sick person.

Symptoms

After entering the body of a child, the fungus does not manifest itself at first. The first symptoms of microsporia occur 14-90 days after infection. During this time, the fungus has time to multiply in the hair cuticles. Microorganisms fill the hair follicles with mycelium, forming a dense cover around them.

Treatment

Treatment of microsporia in children begins immediately after the first signs of fungal infection are detected. The decision on how to treat the disease is made by the doctor based on the tests. In advanced cases, antibiotics are used. Treatment takes 4-6 weeks. Quarantine is the first measure for microsporia in children.

Every morning, the affected areas of the baby's skin are smeared with an alcohol solution of iodine. In the evening - treated with ointments containing sulfur, salicylic acid and tar. Unfortunately, the hair around the affected area will have to be shaved off. You will need to wash your hair every day, using only baby soap. Such procedures are done within 12-15 days.

Prevention

To prevent the spread of microsporia, the following measures are taken:

If the child has the characteristic symptoms of microsporia, he is isolated; from the premises intended for the patient with microsporia, objects that are not subject to disinfection are taken out:

• carpets;
• tracks;
• rugs;
• rag toys.

Besides:

Causes of microsporia

Animals, cats and dogs become the source of infection with microsporia. However, this disease is also characterized by anthroponotic distribution. In the latter case, we are talking about a rusty microsporum, which is transmitted by contact with a sick person or household items.

The causative agents of the disease are fungi, both anthropophilic and zoophilic. The former include Microsporum audouinii and Microsporum ferrugineum. The causative agent of the second group is the fungus Microsporum canis.

Factors predisposing to the development of the disease:

• decrease in immunoresistance;
• children's age, before the onset of puberty;
• violation of the functioning of sweat and sebaceous glands;
• local neurovascular disorders;
• microtrauma on the skin;
• violation of the proliferative processes of the skin;
• avitaminosis and lack of certain trace elements in the body.

There are risk groups that are more likely to be infected with microsporia:

• children and young women;
• persons with immune diseases;
• children with endocrinological diseases;
• children from disadvantaged families.

Diagnosis of microsporia

Laboratory research methods are based on the analysis of scrapings from the skin, scaly skin elements and hair fragments. Before conducting a laboratory test, the patient is examined by a dermatologist, who determines the presence of microsporia by characteristic manifestations.

Research is carried out by means of direct microsporia of biological materials collected from the patient. For this purpose, light microscopes are used to help identify signs of fungal infection.

The isolation of a pure culture of the pathogen occurs by growing on special nutrient media. This technique is used to determine the type and sensitivity of the fungus to chemicals and medicines.

The main method for detecting the causative agent of microsporia is the ability to fluoresce in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, which helps to easily detect types of microsporia without unnecessary research.

A Wood's lamp is used as a source of ultraviolet light. If, under the influence of a lamp, the hairline has a specific green or acid-yellow color, a conclusion is made about the defeat of microsporia.

In addition, a histological method of research is used, which involves examining biological materials, previously stained with dyes, using a microscope. This method detects the infection and the severity of the inflammatory process, but the pathogen cannot be identified.

Microsporia classification

1. By activator:
   • anthropophilic;
   • zoophilic;
   • geophilic.
2. By localization:
   • superficial scalp;
   • superficial smooth skin;
   • deep suppurative.

Prevention of microsporia

Prevention of microsporia is to identify, isolate and treat patients with microsporia.

• Periodic medical examinations are carried out in children's institutions.
• The identified patient must be isolated and sent for treatment to a specialized hospital.
• Things belonging to a patient with microsporia are subject to disinfection.
• Relatives and persons in contact with the patient are examined.
• Attention is also paid to pets, which become a source of infection.
• Animals with microsporia are given full antifungal treatment.

How and how to disinfect microsporia

Reliable treatment of an apartment from microsporia, with the necessary tools and preparations, can take a lot of time. For effective disinfection of all premises, you will need a set of the following tools:

• quartzizer - a special device used in medical institutions;
• whiteness or bleach;
• ethyl medical alcohol (some kind of antiseptic solution will do);
• table vinegar;
• citrus essential oil or a similar liquid derived from lavender;
• soap and soda solution;
• 3 or 4 percent chlorhexidine.

If one or more components from the list are not available, do not despair, you can treat the apartment from depriving and without them, however, its reliability may decrease.

If you have a quartzizer at home, the first step is to turn it on. Enough and 15 minutes of intense work. It is worthwhile to carry out quartzing in a completely closed room, while it is advisable not to be present in it personally, or to use special protective equipment.

After carrying out the process discussed above, it is necessary to thoroughly wash all clothes in the house. Whiteness must be added to washing substances. Treat absolutely all surfaces of upholstered furniture, including pillows, with chlorhexidine steam.

The plane of floor coverings, cabinet furniture, doors and other hard surfaces should be thoroughly wiped with a solution of water with iodine, vinegar, essential oil, chlorhexidine, chlorine or alcohol. The ratio is 1:10. Thoroughly wash door jambs, baseboards, vents and other hard-to-reach areas.

Never mix these substances with each other in water. Choose only one of them. Combining them in one vessel can lead to irreversible consequences.

The complex of operations described is mandatory, if, of course, you are really going to get rid of a fungal infection, and protect others from its effects.

Questions and answers on the topic "Microsporia"

Question:Hello, my daughter has a small spot (0.5-0.7 mm) on the skin in the solar plexus area, the dermatologist, after scraping for fungi, diagnosed mycosporosis. She prescribed local treatment: lubricate with fucorcin 3 times and lubricate with Lorinden ointment 3 times, do not wet, boil, iron the laundry. The instructions for using Lorinden ointment indicate age up to 10 years as contraindications. Daughter is only 5 years old. Hemangiomas are also indicated as contraindications. I didn’t understand, you can’t smear the hemangiomas themselves, otherwise our diagnosis is hemangiomatosis? We have treated hemangiomas. But is it possible to use this ointment with such contraindications?

Answer: You need to discuss with your doctor the use of Lorinden analogues without these contraindications.

Question:Hello. My child has microsporia on the head. How long does it take to be treated in the hospital?

Answer: Several weeks, depending on the pathogen, severity and extent of the disease. As a rule, the treatment of microsporia in children takes 4-6 weeks.

Question:Hello, my daughter had microsporia on her shoulder, they treated her for a month, everything went through the tests in the norm, but we are still being observed. Now this infection has stuck to me, only on my leg, how can I protect the child now? I am treated in the same way as my daughter with ointments, plus I am pregnant. How can it affect the fetus? And I still picked it up from a child? We still don't know where she acquired this infection.

Answer: Treatment of microsporia during pregnancy is reduced only to local treatment of foci of infection, since taking drugs inside has a negative effect on the developing fetus. Such treatment has no negative effects. Disinfection must be carried out carefully (read the relevant section). Microsporia is common among pregnant women, since at this time the body's resistance to infectious agents decreases sharply, the composition of sweat changes, in which the alkaline environment begins to predominate, and, accordingly, its protective function decreases.

Question:Hello! How often should bed linen be changed for a patient with microsporia? Thank you!

Answer: The incubation period is 5-7 days, which means once every 5 days. It all depends on your capabilities. The main thing: regularity, proper processing and storage separately from other laundry.

Question:Hello! The child had spots on his head, I anointed chlorophyllipt. After 2 days we went to the dermatologist. They looked under the lamp and diagnosed it as microsporia. In the same place, scrapings were handed over, but before taking an analysis, they do not wipe the stains with anything. The diagnosis was confirmed. Although I told them all that I smeared with a solution of chlorophyllipt. Could it be that the analysis is incorrect?

Answer: Due to the ability of the pathogen to fluoresce in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, detecting microsporia is not difficult.

Question:Good afternoon! A 9-year-old child was diagnosed with microsporia. Is home treatment possible? If yes, how effective will it be? Or do you still need to be hospitalized?

Answer: Hello. Treatment of microsporia is carried out both in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. At home, it is important to keep the patient's room clean, do not forget about disinfection, washing and changing bed linen.

Question:Hello. The kitten nailed. Seems to be suffering from microsporia. But I took him in my arms and only then discovered the outbreaks. Immediately smeared with terbizil. Then I bought YM at the pharmacy. How can I find out if I am infected or not? Is it also contagious after treating the affected areas with terbizil?

Answer: Hello. Treat the kitten, spend it, if they appear - to a dermatologist.

Question:Hello. How can microsporia of the scalp in a child be cured without pills as quickly as possible? Griseofulvin was first treated - immediately with acute pancreatitis they went to the hospital, then lamicon for about 2 months, then the dose was gradually increased (the child is 3 and a half years old, weighs 16 kg) 1/3 tablet 2 times a day + local treatment. But the lamicon was also badly tolerated! By the way, under the wood lamp there is no longer a green glow (there were 2 spots on the head - one small and the other bigger).

Answer: Hello. If there is no glow under the Wood's lamp, then only local therapy can be continued (Lamicon cream or spray alternated with salicylic ointment) until the hair grows back completely. You can also mix the powder of celandine and milkweed in a ratio of 1: 1 with medical vaseline and rub it into the affected areas 2 times a day.

Question:Hello. The analysis revealed microsporia, no luminescence, one spot at the junction of the scalp and smooth skin. They prescribed griseovulfin 1 t 3 times a day, mycospor cream and iodine. The questions are, in this case, is there a chance of a cure only by local means, or is it necessary to take an antimycotic 100%? Can it be better to replace with Lamisil? Or all the same to try at first locally to treat?

Answer: Hello. The presence of a lesion on the scalp is an indication for oral administration of griseofulvin. Unfortunately, lamisil is not effective enough for microsporia.

Question:Hello. Please tell me what is the right thing to do in this situation. The fact is that in the garden, in our group, a diagnosis of microsporia was made. The son had no direct contact with the sick person. True, we left after the sick leave before processing the group, processed and quarantined after lunch, so we spent half a day surrounded by soft toys, bed linen and carpet. Should I stay at home and what is the chance of getting infected? Quarantine for 28 days was established.

Answer: Hello. There is always a chance to become infected, since pathogenic fungi are easily transmitted through household items, unless, of course, a sick child has contacted them before, who already had clinical manifestations of infection at the time of contact with these items. It makes no sense to sit at home, because if the infection occurred during these ill-fated half a day, then you only need to wait for the clinic, and if it didn’t happen, then it probably won’t happen after treatment. The incubation period for the anthroponotic form of microsporia can be much longer than the quarantine period, to be precise, it can reach 45 days. Therefore, manifestations of infection may make themselves felt after the lifting of quarantine.

Microsporia (mycosis) of smooth skin- This is a fungal disease, popularly known as. With ordinary mycosis, they can be affected hair, nails and skin. Microsporia of smooth skin, as the name implies, affects only smooth skin. It is currently the most common fungal skin disease.

Pathogen

The causative agent is a fungus microsporum. It belongs to dermatophytes, that is, to a group of harmful microorganisms that affect the external integument of humans and animals. Among Microsporum there are more than 20 subspecies, one of which is the causative agent of microsporia of smooth skin, the most common is a fungus Microsporum canis.

Microsporum canis gets on the skin of a person and looks for a hair follicle. There, the fungus lays spores, which after some time begin to germinate and adversely affect the skin.

The fungus spreads quickly, so in 5-7 days a person will see the first external manifestations of the disease.

Ways of infection

The most common way to “acquire” mycosis of smooth skin is bodily contact with an injured person or, more often, animals. That is why ringworm is usually acquired by children who play with street animals(usually cats). For this reason, foci of the disease appear in those places that the animal could touch, or which, after contact, the person himself could touch with dirty hands: arms, neck, belly and face.

Second way- contact through things touched by a patient with mycosis. It can be clothing, towels and everyday items. Children often get this disease while playing in the sandbox. Microsporum spores could get on any object surrounding the patient, after which, when using the thing, the fungus can spread to a healthy person.

Symptoms

The main symptom of the disease- violation of the normal condition of the skin. The patient has a slight convex spot(in some cases just a halo) red. After a day or two, the skin on it begins to peel off and in some places becomes covered with dry crusts. Most patients experience itching in this area. With the exception of external signs, no other changes occur, including in human behavior: the fungus does not affect body temperature, mood and general condition of the body.

Diagnostics

After the onset of external signs, the disease is diagnosed using two methods: shine through on a special lamp or take a skin scraper from the affected area. At the first appointment with a doctor in a dark room, a fluorescent lamp is brought to the hearth, which, if infected with a fungus, will show a green glow. In the first two days after the appearance of a red spot, there may not be a glow, so this method may be useless at an early stage, but during the course of treatment, this procedure will quickly show whether the prescribed treatment is effective. The examination is recommended every 3 days.

Laboratory research able to give a more accurate picture. When taking skin samples, the affected area will be treated with alcohol, and then a few dry scales will be carefully scraped off and sent for analysis under a microscope. An observer, if the patient really has microsporia, will easily detect a large accumulation of spores.

Treatment of microsporia of smooth skin in humans

The disease is treated with local preparations that kill the causative agent of the fungus. Every morning the patient lubricates the affected area with an iodine solution, and in the evenings he applies healing ointments.

These include:

• clotrimazole
• Isoconazole
• Cyclopirox
• Bifonazal
• 20% sulfur ointment
• Sulfur-salicylic ointment, etc.

After applying the drug, you should seal the place with a plaster so that the product is completely absorbed overnight.

To relieve unpleasant itching, you can apply, as well as tar ointment.

Suprastin, for example, already after the first day of oral administration relieves discomfort. And the ointment helps in just a few hours, but it has a strong smell of tar, which not everyone likes.

In addition, tar ointment should be used when the area affected by microsporia is not smeared with other drugs. Usually, patients apply iodine in the morning, tar ointment after two hours, and a healing drug in the evening.

As a preventive measure, a person should observe the norms of personal hygiene, avoid contact with street animals and people with mycosis of smooth skin. If one person in the family falls ill, he should be isolated from other family members and a survey should be carried out, including other household members. The patient's clothes are washed at a high temperature, and then ironed with steam. This also applies to bed linen. If there are pets in the house, they should also be carefully examined.

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

microsporia is a highly contagious (highly contagious) infectious disease of smooth skin, scalp and nails caused by pathogenic fungi genus Microsporum. It was on the basis of the Latin name of the causative agent of infection (Microsporum) that the name of the disease itself (microsporia) was adopted. Microsporia looks like round, red, scaly patches on the skin, bald spots on the scalp, or white and dull circles on the nails.

Microsporia and ringworm (microsporia and trichophytosis)

In addition to the medical name, this fungal disease has another widespread name - ringworm. lichen. The term "ringworm" is the traditional designation for a group of diseases of the skin and scalp, in which the hair is affected and breaks off, resulting in the formation of bald spots. And since even 100 years ago, doctors were not able to identify infectious agents due to the lack of appropriate methods, all diseases were classified, described and named mainly according to external manifestations. That is why microsporia was called ringworm.

However, with the development of science and technological progress, doctors were able to identify not only the signs of diseases, but also to isolate their pathogens, which was literally a breakthrough. During this period, it was possible to establish that the disease, which has always been called ringworm, can be caused by two types of pathogenic fungi - Trichophyton and Microsporum. And then a variety of ringworm caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton began to be called trichophytosis, and Microsporum, respectively, microsporia. But since the external signs and course of trichophytosis and microsporia are the same, these two infections have the same common name - ringworm.

Thus, according to modern concepts, microsporia is a fungal infection ( mycosis), affecting the skin, hair and nails, and at the same time is considered one of the varieties of ringworm.

The causative agent of the infection

Among the fungi of the genus Microsporum, there are about 20 species that can provoke microsporia of smooth skin, scalp and nails. Most often, microsporia is caused by the following types of fungi of the genus Microsporum:

• M. distorum;
• M. rivalieri;
• M. langeronii;
• M. canis;
• M. nanum;
• M. persicolor;
• M. gypseum;
• M. cookii;
• Keratynomyces ajelloii.

Moreover, in 90% of cases, the causative agent of microsporia is a fungus of the species Microsporum canis, and the remaining varieties of the pathogenic microorganism listed are the cause of infection in only 10% of cases.

Methods of transmission of microsporia (how you can get infected)

Infection with microsporia is carried out by contact, that is, by touching any objects, substances, animals or people who are sick with an infection, are carriers of it, or have fungal spores on their surface. In order to clearly understand the mechanisms and ways of transmission of microsporia in a population, it is necessary to know the varieties of this fungus that affect the way they spread among people.

So, depending on the main host, all types of Microsporum fungi are divided into three varieties:
1. zoophilic fungi - the main hosts are animals (most often kittens, less often dogs);
2. Anthropophilic fungi - people are the main hosts;
3. geophilic fungi - the main habitat is the soil.

Zoophilic, atropophilic and geophilic fungi, when they enter the human skin, cause the same infectious disease - microsporia, but the ways of their transmission and, accordingly, the methods of infection are different.

Yes, transfer zoophilic fungi of the genus Microsporum occurs through direct household contact with infected cats or dogs. And since kittens are most often carriers of microsporia, there are two seasonal peaks in the increase in the incidence of this infection - in the middle of summer and in autumn, when cats give birth. To become infected with microsporia, it is enough to stroke a cat or dog that has an infection or is asymptomatic carriers. People usually get infected from their pet cats or dogs that are in constant contact with their owners, sit on their laps, crawl under the covers, etc.

However, zoophilic fungi of the genus Microsporum can be transmitted to humans not only as a result of direct contact with a sick animal, but also indirectly through pieces of its wool. The fact is that cats and dogs that are sick with microsporia or are carriers of the fungus can leave small and inconspicuous pieces of wool on various household items (furniture, carpets, beds, sofas, armchairs, clothes, shoes, etc.), in which contains fungal spores. A person, touching such pieces of wool containing spores of the fungus, also becomes infected with microsporia.

Thus, the transmission of zoophilic microsporia can be carried out both by direct contact with a sick animal, and by touching objects that have hair and skin scales of an infected animal.

Anthropophilic fungi of the genus Microsporum are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through direct close contact (hugs, kisses, etc.) or through the use of various objects that contain scales of the skin of an infected person (for example, when using a comb, hat, scissors for cutting hair belonging to a person with microsporia). That is, anthropophilic fungi are transmitted in exactly the same way as zoophilic ones, but from person to person, and not from animals.

Infection geophilic fungi of the genus Microsporum occurs through direct contact with soil contaminated with these microbes.

When a person becomes infected with any kind of fungus Microsporum (zoophilic, anthropophilic or geophilic), then in the future he is a source of infection for others who can be infected with microsporia already from him. However, despite the hypothetical possibility of infecting other people, family members of patients with microsporia are very rarely infected.

The ways of transmission of microsporia described above do not fully reflect the picture of how a fungal infection occurs. So, with a simple contact of the fungus with the skin, a person will not get sick with microsporia, since the pathogenic microbe will be destroyed by the normal microflora and the immune system, or simply washed away during hygiene measures. This means that for the disease of microsporia, it is necessary not only to get the fungus on the skin, but also to have some predisposing factors that will allow it to penetrate the skin and provoke an infection.

To such predisposing factors include the following:
1. Traumatic damage to the skin;
2. Skin maceration;
3. Reduced immunity.

Thus, microsporia is transmitted from an animal or person to another person only if he has these predisposing factors.

Microsporia in children

Microsporia in children is much more common than in adults, which is explained by two main factors. Firstly, children are more likely to come into contact with sick animals, respectively, they have a higher risk of infection. And secondly, the sebaceous glands of the skin of children do not produce acids that have a detrimental effect on fungi. That is, a fungus that has fallen on the skin of a child will provoke microsporia with a much greater likelihood than an adult in a similar situation, since after puberty the glands begin to produce acids that have a detrimental effect on microsporia pathogens.

Clinical manifestations, course and principles of treatment of microsporia in children do not differ from those for adults. Therefore, it is not advisable to consider separately the characteristics of microsporia in childhood.

Types of microsporia (classification)

Depending on the leading factor underlying the classification, there are several options for dividing microsporia into different types.

So, depending on the predominant area of ​​​​damage, microsporia is divided into three main types:
1. Microsporia of smooth skin;
2. Microsporia of the scalp;
3. Microsporia of nails.

In addition, specialist doctors distinguish three forms of microsporia, depending on what kind of pathogen caused the infection:
1. Zoonotic microsporia - caused by species of Microsporum fungi that are zoophilic (the main hosts are animals);
2. Anthroponotic microsporia - caused by species of Microsporum fungi related to anthropophiles (the main host is a person);
3. Geophilic microsporia - caused by species of Microsporum fungi related to geophilic (the main habitat is soil).

The division into zoonotic, anthroponotic, and geophilic microsporia is of no clinical significance, since they all have the same symptoms, a similar course, and are treated according to the same principles. This classification is important for epidemiologists, as it allows them to identify the primary sources of infection and take appropriate anti-epidemic measures if necessary.

It is also clinically important to classify microsporia according to the type of course, the depth of tissue damage and the reaction of the immune system to infection. According to these criteria, the following types of microsporia are distinguished:

• surface form (foci are located on the surface of smooth skin or under the hair);
• exudative form (foci are located on any parts of the body and liquid discharge oozes out of them);
• Infiltrative suppurative form (foci penetrate deep into the tissues, at the site of the lesion there is a strong edema with the addition of a secondary bacterial infection, which gives suppuration);
• nail shape(foci are located on the nails);
• Chronic form (a variant of a long-existing surface form).

The incubation period of the disease

The duration of the incubation period depends on the type of fungus that provoked microsporia. So, when infected with zoophilic and geophilic species of Microsporum fungi, the incubation period lasts 5-14 days. And when infected with anthropophilic forms, the incubation period of microsporia lasts much longer - from 4 to 6 weeks. But since most often microsporia is provoked by a fungus of the species Microsporumcanis, which belongs to zoophilic varieties, in most cases the incubation period of the infection is 1 to 2 weeks.

Symptoms (signs) of microsporia

All varieties of microsporia are characterized by both common signs, symptoms and features of the clinical course, as well as certain nuances that distinguish the forms from each other. Therefore, for a general orientation in the problem, we first of all consider those symptoms that are inherent in all forms of microsporia. And only after that we separately focus on the features inherent in various forms of microsporia.

The very first symptoms of beginning microsporia are red spots formed on the scalp or body. If microsporia has affected the scalp, then spots can appear not only under the hair, but also in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eyebrows and eyelashes. With microsporia of smooth skin, spots form on any part of the body.

A few days after the appearance of the spots become pink and rather pale, and their surface is covered with whitish scales. At the same time, the hair loses color and breaks off at a height of several millimeters from the skin surface, creating the effect of a short haircut. Because of this, characteristic and clearly visible bald spots form on the scalp, on which skin with scales and short hair resembling stiff bristles are visible. In some cases, black dots form on the bald spots.

Sometimes microsporia of the scalp does not cause the formation of bald spots due to hair breaking, but provokes the formation of a large number of scales, which people take for profuse dandruff, which appeared completely unexpectedly for them. Also, in rare cases, microsporia has the appearance of a gray spot on the scalp, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich intense hair falls out.

If the lichen affects smooth skin, then the initial spots simply turn pale, acquire a grayish color and become covered with scales. Outside the spot, a well-defined and elevated roller is formed, as if delimiting the affected area from healthy areas. Another spot may form inside the spot, smaller in size, but exactly the same in structure, due to which the affected area takes on the appearance of a target.

Over time, microsporia foci on smooth skin and scalp increase in size and take the form of a regular circle or oval. The size of the lesions can reach 10 cm in diameter. However, their surface is covered with a dense layer of gray scales, which give them the appropriate color. As a result, the border of the spot looks like a red rim, and the inside is painted in a pale gray-pinkish color.

If two or more foci of microsporia are located nearby, then they can merge into a spot. Spots, covered with scales, peel off with varying degrees of intensity. Sometimes peeling is accompanied by severe itching, and in other cases, the stain does not cause any discomfort in principle.

In children and adults, with the localization of foci of microsporia on the scalp, on the face, neck or upper half of the body, body temperature may increase and cervical lymph nodes may increase.

In severe cases of microsporia in the area of ​​the lesion, a strong inflammation of the skin develops with swelling, exudation and suppuration, which is called scab.

In general, microsporia in children and adults proceeds as described. Consider the features and more accurate characteristics of the spots characteristic of various forms of fungal infection.

Skin microsporia (smooth skin microsporia) in adults and children

As a rule, the infection proceeds in a superficial form, which begins with the appearance of a red spot of a round or oval shape, which has clear boundaries and rises above the rest of the surface of the skin. It is this spot that is the focus of the lesion. Gradually, the spot increases in size, becomes dense and swollen. The outer border of the spot is transformed into a roller that rises above the surface of the skin, consisting of bubbles and crusts. In the center of the spot, inflammation decreases and the entire area bounded by the outer roller is covered with scaly scales and acquires a pale pink color.

However, the fungus can re-infect an area that is already inside the outer ring. In this case, another ring is formed inside, as a result of which the lesion takes on a bizarre appearance of the target. Such affected areas of the "ring in the ring" type are characteristic mainly of anthroponous microsporia.

The total number of foci of microsporia on smooth skin is usually small and amounts to 1-3 spots. The diameter of the spots is most often 0.5 - 3 cm, but sometimes the lesions can increase up to 5 cm in radius. Closely spaced spots can merge into one. Lesions can be located on any part of the body, but most often they are located on the face, neck, forearms and shoulders.

As a rule, non-inflamed spots of microsporia do not cause any unpleasant sensations. Sometimes it can be moderately itchy. If there is a pronounced inflammation in the lesions, then they are very itchy and sore.

In people with reduced reactions of delayed sensitivity, microsporia can occur in the so-called abortive form. In this case, the lesion has the appearance of a pale pink spot without clear boundaries and bubbles forming a peripheral roller.

In newborns and children under 3 years of age, microsporia occurs in an erythematous-edematous form, in which the lesion is red, inflamed and swollen with a minimum number of scales and peeling.

In people prone to atopy (for example, those suffering from atopic dermatitis), microsporia occurs in a papular-squamous form. In this case, spots appear on areas of the skin characterized by the production of a large amount of sebum, such as the face, chest and back. The foci are abundantly infiltrated (dense, swollen) and lichenified (the skin on them is dense and thickened, with a pronounced pattern and pigmentation disorders).

In young women (up to 30 years old), suffering from increased hair growth on the legs, foci of microsporia usually appear as red and inflamed nodes with a diameter of 2–3 cm. This is a deep form of microsporia.

Microsporia of the head (microsporia of the scalp)

Most often, microsporia foci are located on the scalp in children aged 5-12 years. In adults, this localization of lesions is rare, because with the onset of puberty, the hair follicles begin to produce acid, which has a detrimental effect on the microsporia pathogen. And therefore, after the onset of puberty, microsporia in children is cured spontaneously.

A characteristic feature of childhood microsporia is that the infection almost never occurs in babies with red hair.

Microsporia of the scalp is round or oval lesions with a clear border, most often located on the crown, crown or temples. Usually there are 1-2 foci on the head with a diameter of 2-5 cm. Small secondary lesions 0.5-1.5 cm in diameter may appear on the borders of the foci, which are screenings.

At the initial stages of the disease, a scaly patch of skin is formed in the affected area. In this area, at the roots of the hair, you can see ring-shaped scales surrounding the hairs around the entire perimeter. A week later, the hair itself is also affected, which lose their color, become dull, brittle and brittle, and as a result break off at a distance of 5 mm from the skin surface. A short "brush", left in place of broken hairs, dull and covered with a grayish coating, is an accumulation of fungal spores. If the roots of broken hair are smoothed in any direction, they will remain in the position that they were given. The skin under the hair fragments is moderately reddish, dense and covered with a large number of grayish scales.

In the anthroponotic form of microsporia, a characteristic feature is the location of the lesions at the border of hair growth, when one half of the spot is on the hairy part, and the second on smooth skin.

The picture described above is a typical course of microsporia. However, in rare cases, the infection occurs in atypical forms, such as:

• Infiltrative form microsporia of the head is characterized by the elevation of the lesion above the rest of the skin. The skin of the focus is red and edematous, and the hair is broken off at the level of 4 mm.
• suppurative form microsporia is characterized by a strong inflammatory process, as well as thickening and thickening of the skin in the lesion. In this case, bluish-red nodes are formed with pustules on the surface, through which pus comes out when pressed on the affected area.
• exudative form microsporia is characterized by severe redness, swelling and small blisters in the affected area. Due to the released inflammatory fluid, the skin flakes stick together and form a dense crust covering the lesion.
• Trichophytoid form microsporia is characterized by multiple small lesions with weak peeling. The foci are vague, without clear boundaries and signs of inflammation, and the hair is broken off at the level of 1-2 mm.
• seborrheic form microsporia is characterized by thinning hair in some areas of the head. In the area of ​​\u200b\u200bsuch hair thinning, skin is visible, covered with a large number of yellowish scales. If the scales are removed, then fragments of a small amount of hair become visible under them.

These rare forms of microsporia of the scalp are almost always associated with fever, inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck and symptoms of intoxication (headache, weakness, lethargy, etc.).

Anthroponous microsporia

Anthroponous microsporia most often develops in children. On smooth skin, it appears as round or oval lesions with a clear border, inside which numerous scales are visible. The border of the focus is formed by bubbles and nodules.

On the scalp, lesions are located on the border of hair growth in the back of the head, crown and temples. As a rule, part of the lesion is located in the hair growth zone, and part is on smooth skin. Such foci are small, vague, with clear boundaries and peeling inside the spot. When located close to each other, the foci can merge, forming one large area of ​​\u200b\u200blesion of a bizarre shape. In the area of ​​the foci, the hair breaks off at a level of 4-6 mm and looks short-cut.

Zoonotic and geophilic microsporia

On smooth skin, multiple small (0.5 - 3 mm in diameter) reddish-pink scaly spots of a round or oval shape with clear boundaries appear. The inner surface of the spots is covered with scaly scales. Over time, new ones appear right in the perimeter of the old foci, forming a characteristic "ring in a ring" pattern, which is a hallmark of microsporia.

When the scalp is affected, large foci are formed, located strictly in the hair growth zone. The lesions are round or oval, well-defined, and covered with whitish scales. The hair in the lesion is broken off at a height of 6-8 mm, and the protruding fragments are covered with a white sheath of fungal spores.

Nail microsporia

Nail microsporia is extremely rare. This form includes lesions on the palms, soles and nails. When the nail is damaged, a dull spot forms on it in the region of the growth crescent. Over time, the spot becomes white, and the nail in this part is fragile, soft and thinned. Quite often, the affected part of the nail is destroyed.

Microsporia - photo

This photograph shows numerous lesions of microsporia of smooth skin.

This photo shows a microsporia lesion in a child.

This photo shows a focus of microsporia of the scalp.

Diagnosis of microsporia

Diagnosis of microsporia is based on examination of the foci, first with the naked eye, and then through a fluorescent lamp. After that, if necessary, microscopic or cultural studies are performed to confirm the diagnosis and accurately determine the type of fungal infection pathogen.

The method of diagnosing microsporia through a fluorescent lamp (Wood's lamp) is very simple - a doctor in a darkened room examines the affected area illuminated by such a device. Skin and hair affected by the fungus in the light of the Wood's lamp flicker bright green. The reason for this phenomenon has not been elucidated, but it allows you to quickly and accurately diagnose microsporia.

If necessary, the doctor can gently scrape off a small amount of scales from the affected area with a blunt scalpel and examine them under a microscope, conducting a microscopic examination accordingly. Before scraping off the scales, the skin in the affected area is wiped with 96% alcohol. After that, only scales are scraped off the smooth skin, and fragments of hair are scraped off the scalp. All collected material is placed on a glass slide, poured with a drop of 20% potassium hydroxide solution and examined under a microscope after 30 minutes.

With microsporia, convoluted filaments of mycelium are visible in the scales, and on the surface of the hair there are numerous spores attached to it like small balls around the entire outer perimeter. Due to spores, the border of the hair is not clear, but blurry.

The cultural method for diagnosing microsporia is used with positive results of microscopic and luminescent in order to identify the type of pathogen fungus. Sometimes it is necessary to determine the optimal treatment tactics. For the cultural method, scales are removed from the affected area and placed on a nutrient medium. In the presence of microsporia on the medium, a colony grows in the form of a flat disk with a fluff on the surface.

In most cases, to diagnose microsporia, it is sufficient to examine the affected area through a Wood's lamp and subsequent microscopic examination.

Microsporia - treatment

General principles of therapy

If only smooth skin is affected by microsporia, and the vellus hair on it remains intact, then treatment with local antifungal drugs (ointments, lotions, sprays) is sufficient, which are applied daily until the foci disappear.

If the foci of microsporia are located on the scalp or fluffy hairs of smooth skin are involved in the process, then the treatment consists of taking antifungal drugs inside and applying them externally to the affected area.

Most effective for oral administration for the treatment of microsporia, antifungal preparations containing the following active substances:

• Griseofulvin;
• Terbinafine (Terbizil, Lamisil, etc.);
• Itraconazole (Orungal, Irunin, etc.).

For outdoor processing smooth skin and scalp, the following agents with antifungal activity are used:

• Ointments with terbinafine (Lamisil, Terbizil, etc.), clotrimazole, isoconazole and bifonazole;
• Iodine tincture 2 - 5%;
• Sulfur ointment 10 - 20%;
• Sulfur-salicylic ointment;
• Sulfur-tar ointment.

Taking antifungal drugs orally and applying them externally to the affected skin is continued for a week after the symptoms of microsporia have disappeared in order to avoid a possible recurrence of the infection.

During the entire period of therapy, a sick person should use separate towels, sponges, combs and other personal hygiene and household items, and not pass them on to other people. All things worn by a person suffering from microsporia should be washed with ordinary powder at a water temperature of 60 o C, which is enough to kill the spores of the fungus. And boil all the items that he used for 15 minutes in ordinary water. Boxes, boxes and other containers where the things of a person suffering from microsporia were stored should be treated with an antifungal disinfectant Terralin.

Microsporia of smooth skin and scalp - treatment

If vellus hair on smooth skin is affected, then the treatment consists of taking antifungal drugs inside and applying them externally to the lesions. If the vellus hair is not affected, then only local treatment is carried out, which consists in the external application of antifungal agents. Treatment of microsporia of the scalp is always carried out by the combined use of antifungal agents inside and their external application to the lesions.

So, inside for the treatment of microsporia, the following drugs should be taken:

• Griseofulvin. The dosage is calculated individually from the ratio of 22 mg per 1 kg of body weight. The calculated amount is divided by 3 and taken 3 times a day with a spoonful of oil for 2 to 6 weeks. Once a week, a scraping from the affected area is taken for analysis. After the result of scraping for fungi is negative, Griseofulvin is taken for another 2 weeks at the same dose every other day. Then another 2 weeks at the same dose, the tablets are taken every 3 days.
• Terbinafine. Take 250 - 500 mg 1 time per day for 4 - 6 weeks.
• Itraconazole. Take 100 - 200 mg 1 time per day for 4 weeks.

In parallel with taking the above drugs inside, microsporia foci should be treated daily with external agents. It is preferable to use different means for external treatment of microsporia foci in the morning and evening. For example, in the morning tincture of iodine, and in the evening - Lamisil or in the morning - sulfuric ointment, and in the evening - Isoconazole, etc.

If there is a pronounced inflammation on the skin, then in the first 3-5 days of therapy it is necessary to treat them once a day with Travocort ointment, which contains a hormone with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. When the inflammation decreases, you should switch to the use of any other antifungal ointment (Travogen, Zalain, Lamisil, Terbizil, Terbinafine, etc.).

Hair from smooth skin should be shaved once a week or epilated with a special patch with griseofulvin. With microsporia of the scalp, before starting treatment, you should shave off the hair from the affected area, and do this 1-2 times a week until the end of the course of therapy. The head should also be washed 1-2 times a week with tar soap or pharmacy shampoo containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or povidone-iodine.

Treatment of microsporia in children

In children, microsporia is treated according to the same schemes and principles as in adults. However, the optimal drug for oral administration is Terbinafine (Lamisil, Terbizil, etc.), which should be used in the absence of any contraindications. Children's dosages of Terbinafine for oral administration are determined by their body weight:

• Children weighing 10 - 20 kg - take 3/4 tablets (94 mg) of Terbinafine 125 mg 1 time per day;
• Children weighing 20 - 40 kg - take 1.5 tablets (187 mg) of Terbinafine 125 mg 1 time per day;
• Children weighing over 40 kg - take 2 tablets (250 mg) of Terbinafine 1 time per day.

These dosages are 50% higher than those recommended by the manufacturer, however, they turned out to be the most effective in the treatment of microsporia according to clinical observations and use in children's hospitals.

Itraconazole and Griseofulvin are not recommended for use in children due to their high toxicity.

External treatment of affected areas in the treatment of microsporia in children is carried out with the same drugs as in adults. The optimal ointment for children is Clotrimazole or Lamisil.

Disease prevention

Prevention of microsporia consists in the timely detection and treatment of sick people, as well as limiting contact with animals. When someone in the family has microsporia, then all other people who have been in close contact with him should undergo a preventive examination using a Wood's lamp. All pets should also be examined and treated if necessary.

Microsporia: pathogens, ways of infection, signs (symptoms), treatment and prevention - video

Microsporia is transmitted by contact through living and inanimate objects that are contaminated with spores or affected by a fungus. The likelihood of infection increases if the skin has scratches, diaper rash, calluses and microtrauma, but for healthy skin, the fungus is not terrible, in addition, the virulence of microsporia is very low - it is impossible to get sick with it if you wash your hands with soap immediately after contact with an infected object.

Microsporia is often diagnosed in people who often come into contact with homeless animals and the earth. How the fungus is transmitted, the victims in most cases knew and tried to follow the elementary rules of hygiene, however, a fatal role in the development of fungal infection was played individual characteristics of the chemical composition of human sweat and sebum.

Microsporia in humans: symptoms and signs

The infection that enters the body usually manifests itself after the incubation period. This is also characteristic of microsporia, the signs of which sometimes appear only a month and a half after infection.

The main symptom of smooth skin microsporia is red spots with a clear contour and a swollen convex surface. The spots tend to grow and, over time, take the form of intersecting or intersecting rings (up to three centimeters in diameter), the surface of which is covered with bubbles and crusts. The number of rings is limited - usually there are no more than five of them.

If a fungal infection has , then first it affects the follicle, and then spreads to the entire hair, and spores of the fungus are deposited between the scales of the cuticle, causing damage to it. A striking symptom of microsporia is a "cover" of mycelium (mycelium), surrounding the hair shaft and filling the follicle. Lesions, and these are usually one or two large spots with smaller formations adjacent to them. The skin in the affected area is flaky (scales are white, ring-shaped), and the hair breaks off easily with the formation of "stumps" up to six millimeters high, "dusted" with spores of the fungus.

The external manifestations of the fungus in children and women are similar - they are characterized by severe inflammation and moderate peeling. The most difficult time to diagnose microsporia in people suffering from atopic dermatitis, because the diseases have similar symptoms, but are treated in completely different ways: with atopic dermatitis, the use of hormonal ointments is indicated, which, with microsporia, are not only useless, but also dangerous, as they contribute to the further spread of infection.

Attention! A late visit to the doctor is fraught with the development of a suppurative form of microsporia, the symptoms of which, namely: soft to the touch nodules, cyanotic skin color and a scattering of abscesses, significantly worsen the appearance of the skin and the patient's well-being.

Diagnosis of microsporia

Usually, for a preliminary diagnosis, it is enough for a doctor to examine and inform the patient that he picked up or stroked a stray animal, for example, a kitten. However, in order to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to pass a scraping for microsporia and make sure that the material taken from the patient's skin does indeed contain fungus particles. Microscopic studies can confirm the presence of a fungal infection, but are unable to accurately determine the type of pathogen. Much more information is provided by the analysis for microsporia, which consists in sowing the material taken from the patient and subsequent examination, including with the help of fluorescent lamps.

Reference. From the mycelium of the fungus, placed under a fluorescent lamp, a greenish glow emanates - it may be absent at the beginning, but by the end of the incubation period it will certainly appear.

Microsporia localization zones (photo)

Microsporia affects the smooth skin of the face, scalp and body. Nails on the hands and feet from this type of mycosis, as a rule, do not suffer.

Consequences of microsporia. What is dangerous disease

Microsporia is a contagious disease, the severity of which depends on the type and activity of the fungus, as well as on the condition of the skin and the body as a whole. Usually life threatening fungus does not represent, but creates a lot of problems for the patient: spots on the skin have to be hidden from others, which is not always possible; itching, which in some cases is quite strong and deprives of rest; a sick person (especially a child) is subjected to ridicule and experiences difficulties with social adaptation. Microsporia does not cause any serious consequences - if proper treatment is carried out, relapses, as a rule, do not happen. However, re-infection is possible, since the causative agent of the disease can persist on household items for up to ten years. The danger is the advanced form of microsporia, in which the fungus penetrates the dermis and provokes the formation of abscesses.

Attention! Microsporia can lead to cicatricial changes in skin tissues and, as a result, to.

Usually, the treatment of microsporia does not cause problems and is carried out with the simultaneous use of external agents and preparations for internal use. That's just microsporia during pregnancy is treated exclusively by external means, since oral antifungal drugs can harm the fetus. Pregnant women are advised to apply Lamicon, Clotrimazole or Ketoconazole ointments daily, and if the scalp is affected, use special shampoos, such as Nizoral.

Types of microsporia

• Anthroponous microsporia rare in Russia; affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the scalp; the source of infection is a sick (infected) person and household items used by him (clothes, towels, bed linen, hats, etc.).
• Zooanthroponotic microsporia It is much more widespread than anthropotic, it is carried by stray animals, most often cats and their offspring. A person infected with zooanthroponotic microsporia (as well as his personal belongings) becomes a source of infection and is able to infect others.

Modern treatment of microsporia

How quickly microsporia can be cured depends on the degree of damage to the skin; the best result is given by the simultaneous use of local agents (creams, ointments, emulsions, talkers) and oral antifungal drugs. If the patient has severe inflammation, combined drugs are used, which include antifungal agents, antibiotics and hormones. For the treatment of advanced cases of microsporia complicated by a secondary infection, especially with deep damage to the skin, preparations containing dimexide are used.

It has already been mentioned about the incubation period of microsporia and the impossibility associated with it to start treatment immediately after infection. Unfortunately, one has to wait until the infection manifests itself and only after that deal with the "rooted" colonies of skin fungi. To monitor the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment of microsporia, tests are taken every week - it is considered that the patient got rid of the fungal infection if three samples gave a negative result.

Microsporia: prevention and safety measures

Since children most often suffer from microsporia, it is advisable to conduct examinations in kindergartens and schools and identify carriers of a fungal infection. Disinfection should be remembered - microsporia pathogens die when washing hands with soap or treating the skin with alcohol lotions. Do not pick up, stroke, and even more so bring homeless animals into the house. This does not mean that you need to suppress the natural desire to help, for example, a kitten - just the veterinarian should be the first to meet him, only then the pet can be taken into the family. The same applies to buying an animal from hand.

How microsporia is treated: drugs and devices used

Name of drug or procedure	Action
Griseofulvin, Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Fluconazole - microsporia tablets	fungistatic (antifungal action);
Isoconazole - cream for microsporia	suppression of pathogenic microflora;
Bifonazole - cream, spray, solution, powder	antifungal action (affects the membranes of fungal cells of various types);
Clotrimazole cream	slows down the growth of microorganisms;
Potassium permanganate, Furacilin, Ichthyol	antiseptics, which are used to relieve inflammation in cases of infiltrative-suppurative form of microsporia;
Wood's lamp illumination for microsporia	used to detect fungal infection.

Treatment of microsporia is carried out, as a rule, on an outpatient basis, but in cases where a person needs to be isolated or a complicated form of the disease is diagnosed, the patient is hospitalized. Microsporia is treated for quite a long time - up to three months, while it is recommended to shave off the hair (in case of damage to the scalp) to facilitate the use of external preparations. A special role is given to the nutrition of the patient with ringworm - it is important to maintain and protect the body during the fight against infection, and for this it is necessary to exclude all possible allergens and alcohol. Do not include fatty, fried and smoked foods in the diet, because. antifungal drugs have a bad effect on the liver, it is necessary to reduce the load on this organ.

Attention! Self-treatment of microsporia is unacceptable, since improperly selected drugs will aggravate the situation and can provoke the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. Herbal infusions and homemade ointments can be used as an additional antifungal therapy, but only with the approval of a dermatologist!

Microsporia in children and adults

There are two types of ringworm: trichophytosis, caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton and microsporia, described above. In both cases, a person is affected by smooth skin and the skin of the scalp, since the causative agent of a fungal disease requires keratin protein for growth and reproduction - it is from this that the hair and the stratum corneum of the epidermis are built. The clinical pictures of trichophytosis and microsporia are somewhat different, but in general, diseases develop according to the same pattern - infection from a stray animal (the main source of fungal infection), the incubation period, the appearance of spots on the skin, brittle hair and the formation of bald spots.

Since children are more likely to contact homeless animals, they are more likely to get sick (both microsporia and trichophytosis, because the child’s immunity is too weak to repel the attack of infectious agents), unlike adults, in whom the diagnosis of “ringworm” is confirmed quite rarely, by the way, largely thanks to the presence of an antagonist fungus on the skin that suppresses the reproduction of pathogenic fungi. In addition, the fat produced by the sebaceous glands of an adult contains special substances (for example, undecylenic acid) that block the development of harmful microflora. Although staying in conditions of high temperature and humidity, weakening of the immune system due to an illness, prolonged treatment with antibiotics, cytostatics and hormonal drugs, skin injuries and pregnancy are factors that provoke the development of microsporia and trichophytosis.

Microsporia: video