This episode focuses on fungal infections confined primarily to the outer layers of skin, hair, and nails. Drawing from Murray’s Chapter 62, it examines how dermatophytes and superficial yeasts exploit keratinised tissues.

The narrative begins with dermatophytes - fungi such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton - which produce keratinases that allow them to colonise the stratum corneum. Disease patterns are named by anatomical location: tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and onychomycosis.

The episode also addresses Malassezia species, associated with pityriasis versicolor and seborrhoeic dermatitis, and superficial Candida infections affecting moist intertriginous areas.

These infections typically remain localised because intact cell-mediated immunity prevents deeper invasion.

Conceptually, superficial mycoses represent colonisation rather than systemic threat. Clinically, they are common, often chronic, and usually managed with topical or short-course systemic therapy.

Key Takeaways

* Dermatophytes infect keratinised tissues

* Keratinase production enables surface colonisation

* Infections are named by anatomical site

* Malassezia and Candida cause superficial disease

* Intact immunity limits deeper spread

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