dermatology – Page 2

First Step on the Way to Identify Dermatophytes Using Odour Fingerprints

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Researchers have developed a new method to quickly identify fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes by detecting the unique smells (volatile compounds) they produce. Instead of waiting days or weeks for culture-based tests, this approach uses advanced chemical analysis to create a fingerprint of the fungus based on its odor. The study analyzed 47 different dermatophyte strains and found that each species and even individual strains have distinctive chemical signatures, which could one day allow doctors to diagnose infections rapidly using portable devices similar to electronic noses.

Folliculocentric tinea versicolor: a case report

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A 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with an unusual presentation of tinea versicolor, a common fungal skin infection, where the fungus centered around hair follicles rather than appearing as typical patches. The condition was successfully treated with antifungal medications, though some changes persisted. The doctors noted that the patient’s history of keratosis pilaris (a common bumpy skin condition on the arms and thighs) may have contributed to this unusual follicle-focused presentation.

Photo Quiz: Asteroid bodies in a skin biopsy of a farmer

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A farmer developed a chain of red nodules on his arm after a wrist injury, which was diagnosed as sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix globosa. The diagnosis was confirmed through tissue biopsy, which showed distinctive asteroid bodies – yeast cells surrounded by radiating material that represents the body’s immune response. The infection was successfully treated with oral potassium iodide over 6 months, resulting in complete healing.

Deep cutaneous fungal infection in an immunocompetent individual caused by a biological pesticide: a rare case report

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A 66-year-old farmer developed recurring skin infections over 10 years from exposure to a biological pesticide containing a fungus called Purpureocillium lilacinum. Although this fungus is generally safe for healthy people, this case shows it can cause serious skin infections with prolonged exposure. The patient was successfully treated with antifungal medication over three months. This case highlights the importance of proper safety measures when working with biological pesticides.

Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

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A dog being treated for brain inflammation with immune-suppressing drugs developed a serious skin infection caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. The infection proved difficult to diagnose, requiring tissue samples and specialized laboratory testing to identify the fungi and determine which antifungal drugs would work best. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and reducing the immunosuppressive drugs, the infection did not improve and the dog’s underlying condition worsened, ultimately requiring euthanasia. This case shows the serious risks of fungal infections in animals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy and highlights the need for careful monitoring and early detection.

Evaluation of Salvia yangii Extract as a Promising Protective Raw Material Applied Topically to the Skin

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Russian Sage (Salvia yangii) extract shows promise as a natural ingredient for skincare products. The study found that the plant contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging benefits. When used at appropriate concentrations, the extract protected skin cells from sun damage and helped inhibit enzymes that break down skin collagen. This research supports the use of S. yangii in developing safer, more effective natural cosmetic products.

A Case of Superficial Mycoses in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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A 52-year-old woman with lupus developed severe fungal skin infections that were initially mistaken for worsening lupus symptoms. Her condition improved after 6 months of treatment with two antifungal medications (terbinafine and itraconazole). This case reminds doctors that patients taking immunosuppressive medications for lupus are at high risk for fungal infections, which can be misdiagnosed as lupus flares.

Extensive erythematous plaques of fungal origin in an overseas student: Cutaneous manifestation of coccidioidomycosis

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A 21-year-old student studying in Arizona developed unusual skin rashes months after returning to China. Doctors had difficulty diagnosing the condition because it lacked typical symptoms of the fungal infection coccidioidomycosis. By using multiple diagnostic methods including DNA sequencing and fungal culture, they identified the infection as caused by Coccidioides posadasii. When the initial antifungal drug didn’t work, testing showed the fungus was resistant, so they switched to a different antifungal called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection after 12 months.

Phaeohyphomycosis due to Nigrograna chromolaenae in a cardiac transplant patient

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A 71-year-old heart transplant patient developed a slowly growing bump on his finger caused by a rare fungus called Nigrograna chromolaenae. Doctors initially tried common antifungal medications that didn’t work well, but the patient improved significantly when switched to posaconazole treatment. This is the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying fungi to choose the right treatment.

Primary cutaneous mixed infection with Cryptococcus uniguttulatus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

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A 43-year-old man had a persistent facial rash that didn’t improve with standard antifungal treatments. Doctors initially found a fungal infection called Cryptococcus uniguttulatus using culture tests. However, advanced molecular testing (DNA sequencing) revealed he also had a tuberculosis infection in the same skin lesion. Once both infections were treated with appropriate medications, the patient’s rash finally improved. This case shows that sometimes people can have multiple infections at the same location and that newer diagnostic methods are important for finding these hidden infections.

Research Keyword: dermatology