Superficial fungal infections in adolescence.

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous fungal infections occur frequently in the adolescent population, and are second only to acne in generating skin-related adolescent anguish. Though superficial fungal infections of the skin are rarely life-threatening, they can cause significant worrisome cutaneous findings (e.g., white spots from pityriasis versicolor, distorted nails from onychomycosis). Such changes are particularly threatening to an adolescent who wants to be just like everybody else. This article focuses on several of the more common cutaneous fungal infections in adolescence, including pityrosporum (tinea) versicolor and dermatophyte infections of the feet, groin, skin, and nails. The prevalence of each disease is discussed, along with its clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and methods of treatment.