Microsporia is a highly contagious fungal skin infection caused by filamentous fungi. The disease manifests itself in the form of roundish, reddened and itchy areas of inflammation. In addition to the skin, the hairy head in particular is affected and the disease often leads to hair loss.
Here you will find further information and selected microsporia specialists.
In most cases, microsporia is caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. This is a filamentous fungus that belongs to the dermatophytes.
The pathogen is mainly found on the skin of animals. It is transmitted to humans by simply touching the animals. The main sources of infection are dogs and cats. But also
and humans can also pass on the parasite. More rarely, infection with the pathogens
can be transmitted.
The pathogen Microsporum canis is a so-called dermatophyte. As a parasitic fungus, it mainly causes the disease microsporia in cats and dogs. It therefore belongs to the zoophilic dermatophytes.
As humans and other mammals can also become infected, the fungus is a so-called zoonotic pathogen.
The fungus forms colonies on a good breeding ground, which are sharply defined and cotton-like. It is initially creamy white in color and then changes to orange-yellowish.
When examined microscopically, Microsporum canis shows septate hyphae. Along these hyphae are some smooth and club-shaped microconidia. The microconidia
The contagiousness of microsporia is very high. There are several days to several weeks between infection and the outbreak of microsporia (incubation period).
Microsporia is a worldwide disease. The fungus Microsporum canis is most commonly transmitted from animals to humans.
Children who play with infected animals are at the greatest risk of contracting microsporia . The disease rarely occurs after puberty.
Accordingly, the pathogens can spread in
spread well.
The infection is favored by
The scalp is particularly affected by microsporia in children. It is therefore referred to as a fungal skin infection of the head(tinea capitis).
The most obvious symptoms of microsporia are roundish, reddened areas of inflammation. They are covered with fine scales and look as if they have been dusted with flour. In microsporia, the hair breaks off just above the surface of the skin in the affected areas.
Microsporia often also affects the skin
affected. Microsporia is characterized by small, bright red nodules. These develop into itchy, round patches with a clearly accentuated border. As on the head, the microsporia on these areas of skin may also show scaling.
The edges of the foci are often covered with pustules. In infected areas, microsporia can also lead to pronounced inflammation.
Skin fungus on the hairy head © ZayNyi | AdobeStock
As soon as suspicious microsporia symptoms are observed, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. Treatment of the disease also serves to prevent further spread.
In general, all types of Microsporum fluoresce greenish-yellow under woodlight (special lamp). Microsporum can therefore be diagnosed in a first quick examination.
A positive result indicates a very high probability of microsporia. If the findings are negative, however, this does not mean that microsporia is not present.
The diagnosis must therefore be confirmed microscopically. For this purpose, a fungal culture is taken after a smear test. This is the only way to definitively prove the presence of microsporia.
Sometimes the foci of microsporia are extremely inflamed. This usually leads to a rapid activation of the body's own defenses by the immune system. This means that the microsporia can heal on its own.
However, healing without medical treatment can take a long time. Microsporia can be treated more quickly with the help of antifungals . These can also alleviate the often bothersome symptoms such as itching and prevent the spread of microsporia.
Depending on the severity of the microsporia, topical application with local antifungal agents may be sufficient. These are simply applied to the affected areas of the skin.
The administration of systemic medication is necessary if
Systemic therapy refers to the treatment of the entire organism. Instead of ointments or similar, the patient is given tablets or an infusion. The active ingredients combat the pathogen throughout the body and also reach the hair root.
Microsporia is usually treated with the active ingredients
are used.
However, doctors also recommend local treatment of the microsporia to speed up the treatment. Cutting off the hair can also speed up the healing process, especially if the scalp is affected.
Microsporia is generally not a serious disease. However, microsporia is often quite persistent.
It is usually very stressful for the affected patient due to itching and possible hair loss.
Hair that has fallen out grows back completely after treatment of microsporia.
Children in particular are infected by stray cats when on vacation in southern countries. Contact with these animals should therefore be avoided wherever possible. Microsporia often shows no symptoms in animals, so that even healthy animals can transmit the pathogen.
However, people should also exercise caution on the farm at home. Here too, dogs and cats in particular are often affected by microsporia.
There is a vaccination against microsporia, especially for pets. However, it lasts for a maximum of one year and must always be refreshed. An infection with microsporia cannot be completely ruled out, even with vaccinated animals.
