Skin Disorders in Elderly Persons: Part 5, Fungal Infections

Cutaneous CandidiasisOral CandidiasisPerlche Erosio Interdigitalis BlastomyceticaOnychomycosisTinea PedisTinea CorporisTinea ManuumFungal Folliculitis

Figure –

This woman has allergic contact dermatitis of the hands, which resembles tinea manuum. A potassium hydroxide evaluation was necessary to make the diagnosis. Other diagnostic considerations include irritant contact dermatitis and palmar psoriasis.
 

Tinea Manuum

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 distinguishes from allergic contact dermatitis of the hands, which it resembles (Figure); this can be done by examination of a potassium hydroxide preparation. Tinea manuum can be treated with a topical antifungal agent.

References:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Brodell RT, Elewski B. Superficial fungal infections. Errors to avoid in diagnosis and treatment. Postgrad Med. 1997;101(4):279-287.
• Loo DS. Onychomycosis in the elderly: drug treatment options. Drugs Aging. 2007;24:293-302.
• Tan JS, Joseph WS. Common fungal infections of the feet in patients with diabetes mellitus. Drugs Aging. 2004;21;101-112.
• Weinberg JM, Scheinfeld NS. Cutaneous infections in the elderly: diagnosis and management. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16:195-205.
• Weinberg JM, Vafaie J, Scheinfeld NS. Skin infections in the elderly. Dermatol Clin. 2004;22:51-61.