Noah S. Scheinfeld, MD, JD

June 01, 2007

Tinea that occurs on the hands is referred to as tinea manuum. For unknown reasons, tinea often affects two feet and one hand. Tinea manuum must be distinguished from allergic contact dermatitis of the hands, which it resembles; this can be done by examination of a potassium hydroxide preparation. Tinea manuum can be treated with a topical antifungal agent.

June 01, 2007

This infection is usually caused by Candida albicans, whichis often present in body folds. Candidiasis is common in persons with diabetes and in obese persons. Other predisposing factors are the use of antibiotics, topical corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs; poor nutrition; and immunosuppression.

June 01, 2007

Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is common in elderly persons. It manifests as maceration in the interdigital web folds and as scaly plaques on the plantar surfaces of the feet. A potassium hydroxide evaluation can establish the diagnosis. Tinea pedis is commonly associated with xerosis. It is best treated with a topical antifungal agent; treatment can be aided by a keratolytic such as lactic acid 12% cream.

June 01, 2007

Oral candidiasis, or thrush, is not uncommon in elderly persons. It can be related to poor dentition or immunosuppression, particularly as a result of oral corticosteroid use.

June 01, 2007

Tinea corporis occurs most often on the torso of elderly persons. It commonly appears as an annular plaque with a rim of scaly erythema. Occasionally, tinea corporis manifests with polycyclic annuli or with nummular plaques, which mimic nummular dermatitis. The examination of a potassium hydroxide preparation can establish the diagnosis. Tinea corporis can be treated effectively with a topical antifungal agent.

June 01, 2007

The prevalence of onychomycosis increases with age; it is less than 1% in persons younger than 19 years and rises to about 18% in those who are 60 to 79 years. The infection is more common in men than in women. Among the predisposing factors are diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, a family history of onychomycosis, use of immunosuppressive drugs, and peripheral vascular disease.

March 01, 2007

This infection is caused by reactivationof varicella-zoster virus (VZV),which may remain latent in thedorsal root and cranial nerve gangliafor decades. Reactivation oftenoccurs for no apparent reason, althoughstress and immunosuppressionmay increase the risk.

March 01, 2007

This infection is caused by reactivationof varicella-zoster virus (VZV),which may remain latent in thedorsal root and cranial nerve gangliafor decades. Reactivation oftenoccurs for no apparent reason, althoughstress and immunosuppressionmay increase the risk.

February 02, 2007

This polymicrobial infection, characterized by rapidly advancing deep tissue necrosis, is caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

February 02, 2007

Furunculosis is a deeper infection of the hair follicle generally attributable to S aureus.