Tinea Cruris (Dhobi's Itch) - Treatment, Picture and Symptoms of Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris
is most prevalent in the summer months. It is commonly caused by the epidermophyton and trichophyton from infected toes or nails; fungus may also be conveyed by infected lavatory seats (most commonly in public lavatories) and by laundry clothes. Infection can also be transmitted during sexual intercourse.
Affection occurs on the inner sides of the upper part of the thighs, spreading to adjoining parts of the scrotum, penis, vulva, and perineum and later to the buttocks and trunk. Intense itching is the characteristic symptom. It starts as small circinate lesions.
Typically, it is seen as well-defined patch or patches of scaling, vesicles and pustules with inflammation most marked at the periphery of the lesions.
Differential diagnosis of Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris is made from intertrigo, infective eczema and flexural psoriasis. The first two always start at the inguinal cleft which is usually cracked. Inflammation is more marked towards the centre than the periphery. Moreover, the demonstration of fungus clinches the diagnosis of tinea cruris. Flexural psoriasis has no real resemblance to tinea cruris, except that it occurs on the same site; lesions of psoriasis are present on other areas of the body as well.
Prognosis of Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris is good if the treatment is persisted with the newer fungicidal agents and the predisposing causes are corrected.
Treatment of Tinea Cruris
It is the same as in tinea corporis. Under-clothing must be washed daily.
Toes and nails, if infected, must be treated at the same time. Patients should be advised against the use of public lavatories. The infected part must be kept cool and dry. Griseofulvin should only be used as a last resort in extensive and resistant cases.
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