Question

A 55-year-old obese patient was diagnosed with candidiasis in the skin folds under her breasts. When the nurse sees her at a follow-up visit 2 months later, she complains that it has returned. She said she applied the medicine for 1 week and stopped because the itching stopped and the cream was messy. Which statement is true regarding fungal infections of the skin?

Answer 1

The statement that is true about fungal infections of the skin, like candidiasis, is that treatment must be completed as prescribed to properly eradicate the infection. Stopping treatment early because symptoms subside can lead to a recurrence of the infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 55-year-old obese patient was diagnosed with candidiasis in the skin folds under her breasts. When the nurse sees her at a follow-up visit 2 months later, she complains that it has returned. She said she applied the medicine for 1 week and stopped because the itching stopped and the cream was messy. Which statement is true regarding fungal infections of the skin? An important point in fungal infections of the skin is that treatment needs to be continued for the prescribed duration.

Even if the symptoms such as itching have stopped the infection may not be completely eradicated. Stopping treatment prematurely allows the fungus responsible for the infection, often a Candida species, to persist and possibly return. Recurring candidiasis requires comprehensive treatment and preventative strategies such as maintaining a dry environment in skin folds, practicing good hygiene and using appropriate clothing. Long-term or systemic antifungal medications like itraconazole or fluconazole might be necessary for chronic infections. For recurrent instances, adherence to the full course of treatment is crucial to prevent repeat infections.