Dermatophyte infections, often referred to as ringworm, affect an estimated 25 percent of the world’s population, accounting for 51 million outpatient visits over the last decade in the U.S.
For the study, researchers surveyed dermatologists at the 2016 Orlando (Fla.) Dermatology Aesthetic & Clinical Conference. Dermatologists were asked to anonymously review 13 clinical images and assess the images for fungal skin infection. Most of the images were only classified accurately 50 percent of the time, with only one case identified appropriately at 90 percent of the time.
“It is crucial to push for proper and continued medical education on dermatophyte and other fungal skin infections to minimize misdiagnoses and ultimately curb disease impact,” said Adam Friedman, MD, one of the study’s authors and a dermatologist with GW and Therapeutics Clinical Research in San Diego. “Secondary syphilis, annular psoriasis and pityriasis rosea are among a few inflammatory skin diseases that mimic dermatophyte infections … however, knowledge and training of bedside diagnostic techniques like potassium hydroxide preps during residency and beyond can combat misdiagnosis.”
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