June 13th 2024.
There has been a recent discovery in the medical field that has caused some confusion among healthcare providers. It seems that a highly contagious form of ringworm, usually transmitted through sexual contact, has made its way to the United States for the first time. Doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City are now warning their colleagues about this condition, which can take months to clear up, even with treatment.
According to experts, the fungus responsible for this infection is from a group known to cause skin rashes. However, the rashes described in the new reports may be easily mistaken for lesions caused by eczema. As a result, patients may not receive the proper treatment for months, leading to prolonged discomfort and potential scarring.
The first documented case of this infection in the US was reported in the journal JAMA Dermatology. It involved a man in his 30s who developed scaly red patches on his penis, buttocks, and limbs after returning from a trip to England, Greece, and California. Samples from the infection revealed that he had ringworm, and he was given an anti-fungal treatment. However, when the treatment did not work, further tests showed that the infection was caused by a species of fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, which had not been seen before in the country. While this infection is not fatal, it can cause permanent scarring if left untreated.
One of the key identifiers of this infection is the distinct marks it leaves on the skin. It has been observed in Southeast Asia and has also been increasingly diagnosed in Europe, with 13 cases reported in France in 2023, mostly in men who have sex with men. Interestingly, the man in the first US case reported that he had multiple sexual partners during his travels, but none of them had experienced similar skin issues.
Dr. Avrom Caplan, a dermatologist and lead author of the study, stated that healthcare providers should be aware of Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, as it is the latest in a group of severe skin infections that have now reached the United States. So far, this infection seems to respond well to standard anti-fungal therapies like terbinafine.
Senior author Dr. John Zampella added that physicians should be vigilant in asking their patients about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and experience itching in other areas of the body. This can help with early detection and treatment of this infection, which can manifest with symptoms such as intense itching, inflamed circular patterns on the skin, hair and nail issues, and athlete's foot.
On a related note, there is another itchy and contagious skin infection that causes similar rashes to Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII. This infection, known as Trichophyton indotineae, is widespread in India and has now been reported globally. It was first confirmed in the US last year, but it often resists treatment with terbinafine.
The researchers behind this study emphasize the importance for dermatologists to be aware of these two infections and to keep an eye out for signs and symptoms in their patients. While the rates of these infections in the US are still low, it is crucial to catch and treat them early to prevent further spread and potential complications.
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