Tinea Unguium

reported no cases in five girls' schools examined and attack rates varying from 2.61 to 10.39 per cent. per term in 11 boys' schools. Age Incidence.-The ages of the patients in the present series ranged from 11 to 60 years. According to the Medical Research Council (1938) most authorities agree that tinea cruris is seldom seen before puberty, but little information is available about relative risks at varying ages of adult life. Mode of Spread.-It is assumed that infection may be spread via underclothing, athletic straps, sportswear, etc., but in practice this theory is seldom substantiated. It may be that infection may be spread via the fingers, since the groin area is a most favourable site for fungus infection due to the frequency of excessive perspiration, and the fingers themselves are not infected. Other infections undoubtedly result from simple spread of infection from toes, nails, etc., to the groin. Treatment.-Again, there are many efficient fungicides, any one of which suffices, and the important points regarding prevention of reinfection from clothing, elimination of other affected areas, such as toes and nails, are all important. Prevention.-Personal hygiene would appear to be the most important single factor in the prevention of tinea cruris, and the general preventive measures applicable to tinea pedis apply. It is of interest to note that the attack rates in boarding schools where patients were isolated were generally much less than those in schools where isolation was not practised Differential Diagnosis of Tinea Cruris.-The important differential diagnosis is seborrhceic intertrigo. This condition is always bilateral and is usually quite symmetrical. In addition, it frequently spreads on to the perianal region. There is little margination, and other manifestations of seborrhceic dermatitis may be found elsewhere. TINEA UNGUIUM. GENERAL. T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum are the organisms responsible for the majority of cases of ringworm of the nails. The condition is not particularly common in the North of Ireland (13 cases were seen, two associated with tinea pedis and one with tinea corporis), but few maladies are more difficult to eradicate than fungus infections of the nails. and thickened. One or all nails (of hands and feet) may be infected. There is usually no pain or tenderness, but, of course, the abnormal nail is liable to frequent minor traumata. Most patients complain bitterly of the appearance of the affected nails. The infection usually begins under the free border or along the …