Microsporia

Microsporia: a contagious fungal skin disease

Microsporia is one of the most common contagious fungal skin diseases. This disease is caused by microscopic fungi that affect not only the skin, but also the hair. In very rare cases, microsporia can affect the nails. The manifestations of microsporia are in many ways similar to trichophytosis, and both of these diseases were previously united under the general name “ringworm”.

There are two types of fungi that cause microsporia. Fungi of one species parasitize only humans, and this disease is very contagious, especially among children. Infection occurs through direct contact with a patient in a family or childcare facility or through objects and things that have been used by the patient and are contaminated with skin scales and hairs containing threads and fungal spores.

Another type of fungus is a parasite of the skin and coat of cats and dogs. Infection of children and adults occurs mainly through contact with a sick animal or through objects contaminated with its fur. In rare cases, infection from sick people has been observed.

Symptoms of microsporia

Red, inflammatory, and then flaky spots of a round or oval shape appear on the skin of the face, neck, forearms, torso and legs. On the scalp, when infected from a cat or dog, there first appears one round, flaky, flour-sprinkled lesion, on which all the hair affected by the fungus is broken off and shrouded in a white sheath. Later, several more such lesions often appear. When infected with a fungus that only affects humans, the foci of microsporia on the head have a different character: they quickly appear one after another, merge with each other, but not all affected hair breaks off and is difficult to distinguish among healthy hair.

Diagnosis and treatment of microsporia

The diagnosis of one or another type of microsporia is established by a doctor at a skin clinic based on a laboratory examination of hair and skin under a fluorescent lamp. Treatment is carried out mainly in a hospital, but can also be carried out on an outpatient basis, depending on the type of microsporia.

Self-medication before seeing a doctor is unacceptable not only because it does not help, but also because it often interferes with further diagnosis and treatment. Treatment of microsporia involves the use of antifungal drugs that kill fungi and prevent their spread. In addition, topical preparations in the form of creams, ointments or solutions for external use can be used.

It is important to remember that microsporia is a contagious disease, so preventive measures must be taken to prevent its spread. This includes regular skin and hair hygiene, avoiding contact with sick animals and people, and disinfecting objects that may be contaminated with skin flakes and hair containing threads and fungal spores.

A fungal disease caused by trichophyton fungi parasitizing the hair and stratum corneum of the epidermis (sometimes mistakenly called ringworm). Symptoms of M.: trichophytosis.

Microsporia is a dermatological disease that is caused by microscopic fungi and affects the skin and hair. Symptoms of M. can vary depending on the type of disease, but the most common are patches on the skin and peeling.

M. can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems and leads to persistent infection if not treated properly. It can also be spread through contact with an infected person or object, so it is important to take precautions and take steps to prevent the spread. Treatment for M usually includes local and systemic medications, as well as lifestyle changes and skin care. However, when contacting a doctor, it is necessary to obtain qualified medical advice before starting treatment.