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Microbiology, 2021

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886 21 • Skin and Eye Infections<br />

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING<br />

• Describe the progression of a Sporothrix schenkii infection.<br />

Disease Profile<br />

Mycoses of the Skin<br />

Cutaneous mycoses are typically opportunistic, only able to cause infection when the skin barrier is<br />

breached through a wound. Tineas are the exception, as the dermatophytes responsible for tineas are able<br />

to grow on skin, hair, and nails, especially in moist conditions. Most mycoses of the skin can be avoided<br />

through good hygiene and proper wound care. Treatment requires antifungal medications. Figure 21.33<br />

summarizes the characteristics of some common fungal infections of the skin.<br />

Figure 21.33<br />

21.5 Protozoan and Helminthic Infections of the Skin and Eyes<br />

Learning Objectives<br />

By the end of this section, you will be able to:<br />

• Identify two parasites that commonly cause infections of the skin and eyes<br />

• Identify the major characteristics of specific parasitic diseases affecting the skin and eyes<br />

Many parasitic protozoans and helminths use the skin or eyes as a portal of entry. Some may physically burrow<br />

into the skin or the mucosa of the eye; others breach the skin barrier by means of an insect bite. Still others<br />

take advantage of a wound to bypass the skin barrier and enter the body, much like other opportunistic<br />

pathogens. Although many parasites enter the body through the skin, in this chapter we will limit our<br />

discussion to those for which the skin or eyes are the primary site of infection. Parasites that enter through the<br />

skin but travel to a different site of infection will be covered in other chapters. In addition, we will limit our<br />

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