Fungal Skin Infections Practice Questions

Q: All are true about the image shown except:

KOH mount will show pseudohyphae. ***Correct: KOH mount will show pseudohyphae*** - This is the **EXCEPTION** because dermatophytes (causative agents of tinea capitis) produce **TRUE SEPTATE HYPHAE**, not pseudohyphae - **Pseudohyphae** are characteristic of **Candida species** (yeast infections), not dermatophyte infections - In tinea capitis, KOH mount shows **arthroconidia and septate hyphae** within and surrounding the hair shaft - This is a fundamental distinction in medical mycology that differentiates dermatophyte from yeast infections *Incorrect: Sparse hair* - Tinea capitis characteristically presents with **alopecia and broken hair shafts** - The fungal infection weakens hair, causing it to break at the scalp surface, creating patches of hair loss with "black dots" (broken hair stumps) - This is a hallmark clinical feature seen in the image *Incorrect: Can be associated with cervical lymphadenopathy* - **Inflammatory tinea capitis** (kerion type) frequently causes **regional lymphadenopathy** - Cervical and posterior auricular nodes commonly enlarge due to the immune response to the fungal infection - This is an expected finding in moderate to severe cases *Incorrect: Wood's lamp shows green fluorescence* - Some species causing tinea capitis do show **green fluorescence** under Wood's lamp - **Microsporum canis** and **M. audouinii** exhibit bright green fluorescence - However, **Trichophyton species** (most common in many regions) do NOT fluoresce - While not universally present, this statement is TRUE for ectothrix infections caused by Microsporum species

Q: The cup-shaped yellow crusts shown in the image are called:

Scutula. ***Scutula*** - The image shows **cup-shaped, yellow crusts** formed around hair shafts, which are characteristic findings of scutula. - Scutula are pathognomonic for **tinea capitis favosa (favus)**, a severe form of fungal infection of the scalp, most often caused by *Trichophyton schoenleinii*. *Favus* - Favus is the **specific type of tinea capitis** characterized by the formation of scutula, which are visible in the image. - While it's the underlying disease, the question asks for the specific lesion shown, which is the scutula. *Kerion* - **Kerion** is an inflammatory, painful, boggy plaque with pustules and crusting that can lead to scarring alopecia. - It does not present as the distinct **cup-shaped yellow crusts** seen in the image. *Seborrheic dermatitis* - **Seborrheic dermatitis** presents with greasy, yellowish scales on an erythematous base, commonly on the scalp, face, and chest. - It does not typically form the well-demarcated, **cup-shaped scutula** observed in this image.

Q: A child has been brought with the following scalp lesion with history of itching in scalp and hair loss for past 2 months. Which of the following is useful for diagnosis of this patient? (AIIMS May 2017)

KOH mount. ***KOH mount*** - The image shows a **patch of hair loss** with visible scaling on the scalp, along with a history of itching, which is highly suggestive of **tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)**. - A **KOH (potassium hydroxide) mount** is the most common and effective initial diagnostic test for fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, as it helps visualize fungal elements (hyphae and spores). *Gram stain* - **Gram stain** is primarily used to identify **bacterial infections** by differentiating bacteria based on their cell wall composition. - It is not useful for diagnosing **fungal infections** like tinea capitis. *Slit skin smear* - A **slit skin smear** is a diagnostic technique mainly used for the detection of **Mycobacterium leprae** in cases of **leprosy**. - It is not relevant for diagnosing common fungal scalp infections. *Tzanck smear* - A **Tzanck smear** is used to identify **multinucleated giant cells** and **acantholytic cells**, characteristic findings in **herpes simplex**, **varicella zoster**, and other blistering viral conditions. - This method is not used for the diagnosis of **fungal infections** of the scalp.

Q: A 35-year-old presented with a single warty lesion on the foot after a thorn prick. No regional lymph nodes are seen. Biopsy shows the following lesion. Diagnosis is:

Chromoblastomycosis. ***Chromoblastomycosis*** - The image reveals characteristic **sclerotic bodies** (also known as Medlar bodies or copper pennies), which are thick-walled, septate, dematiaceous (pigmented) fungal cells, pathognomonic for chromoblastomycosis. - The history of a **single warty lesion** on the foot after a **thorn prick** is typical for subcutaneous fungal infections caused by traumatic inoculation of dematiaceous fungi, leading to chromoblastomycosis. *Sporotrichosis* - Characterized by **cigar-shaped budding yeasts** in tissue and a **lymphocutaneous spread** (multiple nodules along lymphatic channels), which is not mentioned or depicted. - While it can follow a thorn prick, the microscopic findings (sclerotic bodies) are not consistent with sporotrichosis. *Madura foot* - Also known as mycetoma, it typically presents with **multiple draining sinuses** discharging pus and grains (microcolonies of the causative organism). - Histologically, it shows **"grains"** composed of fungal hyphae or bacteria, surrounded by a distinct inflammatory reaction, which is different from the sclerotic bodies seen in the image. *Botromycosis* - This is a **bacterial infection** that mimics fungal mycetoma, presenting with tumefaction, draining sinuses, and grains. - The grains in botryomycosis are composed of bacterial colonies, not fungi, and the histological appearance would differ significantly from the pigmented fungal bodies seen.

Q: A 35-year-old presented with a single warty lesion on the foot after a thorn prick. No regional lymph nodes are seen. Biopsy shows the following lesion. Treatment is?

Itraconazole. **Itraconazole** - The clinical presentation of a **warty lesion on the foot** after a **thorn prick**, along with the biopsy showing **chromoblastomycosis (dark-staining fungal cells or sclerotic bodies)**, indicates a fungal infection. **Itraconazole** is a first-line systemic antifungal agent for such infections. - **Chromoblastomycosis** is typically treated with systemic antifungals, with itraconazole being effective due to its broad spectrum and good tissue penetration. *Amikacin plus cotrimoxazole* - **Amikacin** is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and **cotrimoxazole** is a combination antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim). - These medications are used to treat **bacterial infections** and are ineffective against fungal pathogens. *Ciclopirox* - **Ciclopirox** is a topical antifungal agent primarily used for superficial fungal infections like **tinea corporis** or **onychomycosis**. - Given the deep-seated nature of chromoblastomycosis and its occurrence after a penetrating injury, a topical agent would likely be insufficient. *Amorolfine* - **Amorolfine** is a topical antifungal lacquer primarily used for the treatment of **onychomycosis (nail fungal infections)**. - It is not indicated for deep cutaneous or subcutaneous fungal infections like chromoblastomycosis, which requires systemic treatment.

Q: Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for the skin condition shown in the image?

Selenium sulphide. ***Selenium sulphide*** - The image shows **pityriasis versicolor** (tinea versicolor), characterized by hypopigmented/hyperpigmented macules with fine **branny scaling** caused by **Malassezia furfur**. - **Selenium sulphide** is the **first-line topical treatment** for pityriasis versicolor, effectively eliminating the causative yeast organism. *Terbinafine* - **Terbinafine** has **limited topical efficacy** for pityriasis versicolor compared to selenium sulphide or ketoconazole. - While it's an effective antifungal for **dermatophytes**, it's not the preferred agent for **Malassezia** infections. *Tacrolimus* - **Tacrolimus** is a **calcineurin inhibitor** used primarily for **atopic dermatitis** and inflammatory skin conditions. - The image shows a **fungal infection** (pityriasis versicolor), not an inflammatory eczematous condition requiring immunosuppression. *Erythromycin* - **Erythromycin** is a **macrolide antibiotic** used for bacterial infections, not fungal conditions. - Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a **yeast organism** (**Malassezia furfur**), requiring antifungal treatment, not antibiotics.

Q: What is the diagnosis of the lesion visible in neck folds of this child?

Intertriginous candida. ***Intertriginous candida*** - The image shows **erythema, scaling, and white satellite lesions** in a skin fold, which is characteristic of candidal intertrigo. - This condition thrives in **warm, moist environments** like neck folds of infants, often presenting with burning and itching. *SSSS* - **Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)** is characterized by widespread **erythema and superficial blistering**, leading to skin peeling, which is not seen here. - It usually involves a more diffuse rash and often has a **positive Nikolsky sign**, unlike the localized lesion shown. *Impetigo* - **Impetigo** typically presents with **honey-colored crusts** and is caused by bacterial infection, primarily *Staphylococcus aureus* or *Streptococcus pyogenes*. - While it can occur in skin folds, the characteristic white, cheesy appearance and satellite lesions seen in the image are not typical of impetigo. *Ecthyma* - **Ecthyma** is a more severe, ulcerative form of impetigo, characterized by **punched-out ulcers with adherent crusts** that extend into the dermis. - The lesion in the image does not show the deep ulceration or dense, dark crusts associated with ecthyma.

Q: A 56 year old gardener presents with an ulcerative nodule with purulent discharge on his right index finger. He had a prick with a thorn, at the same site around a month back. Which one of the following infections is most likely?

Sporotrichosis. ***Sporotrichosis*** - This presentation, an **ulcerative nodule with purulent discharge** on a finger after a **thorn prick** in a gardener, is classic for **sporotrichosis** (rose gardener's disease). - The organism, *Sporothrix schenckii*, is found in soil, plants, and decaying vegetation and typically enters through **skin trauma**. *Chromoblastomycosis* - Characteristically presents with **verrucous (warty) plaques or nodules** that slowly enlarge; it does not typically show the ulcerative nodule with purulent discharge found here. - While it can be acquired through trauma, the **morphology of the lesions** differs from the described case. *Phaeohyphomycosis* - This is a broad term for infections caused by dematiaceous (pigmented) fungi that typically present as **subcutaneous cysts, abscesses, or nodules**, but the specific clinical picture of **lymphocutaneous spread** following trauma is less characteristic than sporotrichosis. - The lesions tend to be more **encapsulated or abscess-like** rather than the ulcerative, purulent nodule described. *Mycetoma* - Mycetoma presents as a **chronic, localized, progressively destructive infection** of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and bone, often characterized by **swelling, draining sinuses, and grains** (microcolonies of the causative organism). - While it can be acquired via trauma, the typical presentation is much more **extensive and chronic** than the initial ulcerative nodule described.

Q: A child presents with multiple patchy areas of hair loss, scales, and itching. The sister also had similar lesions. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Tinea capitis. ***Tinea capitis*** - **Tinea capitis** presents with **patchy hair loss**, **scaling**, and **itching** on the scalp, which are classic signs of a fungal infection. - The fact that the sister also had similar lesions indicates a **contagious** condition, consistent with a **dermatophyte infection**. *Alopecia areata* - Characterized by **sudden, non-scarring hair loss** in circular or oval patches, often with no scaling or inflammation. - It is an **autoimmune condition** and typically not associated with itching or contagiousness amongst siblings. *Pediculosis capitis* - This condition involves an **infestation of head lice**, primarily causing **intense itching** of the scalp. - While it is contagious, it typically presents with **nits** (lice eggs) firmly attached to hair shafts and excoriations from scratching, rather than significant hair loss and scaling. *Pyoderma* - **Pyoderma** is a bacterial skin infection, often presenting as **pustules**, **crusts**, or **blisters** on the scalp. - While it can be contagious and cause discomfort, it is primarily characterized by purulent lesions and not the diffuse patchy hair loss and scaling seen in this case.

Q: A patient presents with annular, scaly plaques with perifollicular extension on the trunk. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Tinea. ***Tinea*** - **Tinea corporis** classically presents with **annular, scaly plaques with central clearing** and an active, raised border. - On hairy areas or with follicular involvement, dermatophyte infections show **perifollicular extension** as the fungus invades hair follicles. - The **annular morphology with scale** is pathognomonic for dermatophyte infection, confirmed by **KOH preparation** showing septate hyphae. - Common sites include trunk, limbs, and any body area with hair follicles. *Psoriasis* - Presents with **well-demarcated, erythematous plaques** with **silvery-white scales**, typically on extensor surfaces (elbows, knees, scalp). - **Follicular psoriasis** is rare and shows **pinpoint follicular papules**, not annular plaques with perifollicular extension. - Auspitz sign (pinpoint bleeding on scale removal) helps differentiate from tinea. *Lichen planus* - Characterized by **pruritic, polygonal, purple, planar papules** (the "6 Ps"). - **Lichen planopilaris** (follicular variant) causes **scarring alopecia** with follicular hyperkeratosis, not annular scaly plaques. - Wickham striae may be visible on mucosal surfaces. *Pityriasis versicolor* - Caused by **Malassezia species**, presents as **hypo- or hyperpigmented macules** with fine scale on trunk and upper arms. - **Follicular variant** (pityriasis folliculorum) shows discrete follicular papules, NOT annular plaques. - "Spaghetti and meatballs" appearance on KOH prep (short hyphae and spores) differentiates from dermatophytes.

Question 1

All are true about the image shown except:

Accepted Answer

KOH mount will show pseudohyphae

Answer

Sparse hair

Answer

Can be associated with cervical lymphadenopathy

Answer

Wood's lamp shows green fluorescence

Question 2

The cup-shaped yellow crusts shown in the image are called:

Accepted Answer

Scutula

Answer

Favus

Answer

Kerion

Answer

Seborrheic dermatitis

Question 3

A child has been brought with the following scalp lesion with history of itching in scalp and hair loss for past 2 months. Which of the following is useful for diagnosis of this patient? (AIIMS May 2017)

Accepted Answer

KOH mount

Answer

Gram stain

Answer

Slit skin smear

Answer

Tzanck smear

Question 4

A 35-year-old presented with a single warty lesion on the foot after a thorn prick. No regional lymph nodes are seen. Biopsy shows the following lesion. Diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Chromoblastomycosis

Answer

Sporotrichosis

Answer

Madura foot

Answer

Botromycosis

Question 5

A 35-year-old presented with a single warty lesion on the foot after a thorn prick. No regional lymph nodes are seen. Biopsy shows the following lesion. Treatment is?

Accepted Answer

Itraconazole

Answer

Amikacin plus cotrimoxazole

Answer

Ciclopirox

Answer

Amorolfine

Question 6

Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment for the skin condition shown in the image?

Accepted Answer

Selenium sulphide

Answer

Terbinafine

Answer

Tacrolimus

Answer

Erythromycin

Question 7

What is the diagnosis of the lesion visible in neck folds of this child?

Accepted Answer

Intertriginous candida

Answer

SSSS

Answer

Impetigo

Answer

Ecthyma

Question 8

A 56 year old gardener presents with an ulcerative nodule with purulent discharge on his right index finger. He had a prick with a thorn, at the same site around a month back. Which one of the following infections is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Sporotrichosis

Answer

Chromoblastomycosis

Answer

Phaeohyphomycosis

Answer

Mycetoma

Question 9

A child presents with multiple patchy areas of hair loss, scales, and itching. The sister also had similar lesions. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tinea capitis

Answer

Alopecia areata

Answer

Pediculosis capitis

Answer

Pyoderma

Question 10

A patient presents with annular, scaly plaques with perifollicular extension on the trunk. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tinea

Answer

Psoriasis

Answer

Lichen planus

Answer

Pityriasis versicolor

Fungal Skin Infections — MCQs

Fungal Skin Infections — MCQs

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