• Content
  • Collaboration
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Cellulitis

Orbital Cellulitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings

Orbital Cellulitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Amanda Marchak Reviewers: Jaimie Bird Dr. Rupesh Chawla* * MD at time of publication
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes
Note:
Orbital cellulitis is an extremely serious infection. If not caught and treated early, it can lead to death. CT should be performed if suspected.
Involves the orbit
Panopthalmitisb Endopthalmitisc Blindness
 Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenza
Local infection or break in skin
      Eye surgery or trauma
Direct inoculation
Sinusitis (more common)       Periorbital cellulitis1,2
       Hematogenous spread
Contiguous spread of infection
  Pathogens reach orbital tissue (posterior to the orbital septum)
        Spreads to periorbital tissue (anterior to the orbital septum)
Localized inflammation
Conjunctival chemosisa
Eyelid and periorbital edema
Pain on palpation
Induration
Warmth
Orbital Cellulitis Inflammation of orbital tissue       Proptosis
Spreads to surrounding structures
Subperiosteal abscess Brain abscess Cavernous sinus thrombosis Meningitis Subdural empyema Orbital abscess
Notes:
        Impinges on ocular muscles
Impaired extra- ocular movements
Pain with eye
movement or opthalmoplegia
Definitions:
Impinges on nerves
Afferent pupillary defect
Decreased visual acuity
Exposes cornea
Corneal drying and scarring
                         a. Chemosis: Edema of the bulbar conjunctiva
b. Panopthalmitis: inflammation of all coats of the eye including intraocular structures.
c. Endopthalmitis: inflammation of the interior of the eye.
1. See slide on Periorbital Cellulitis for how sinusitis can lead to the development of periorbital cellulitis
2. The micro-organism responsible for periorbital cellulitis varies depending on how the pathogen was introduced to the system.
  Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published November 5, 2018 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Periorbital Cellulitis: Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings

Periorbital Cellulitis: Pathogenesis and Clinical Findings
Authors: Amanda Marchak Reviewers: Jaimie Bird Dr. Rupesh Chawla* * MD at time of publication
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes (most common organisms)
 Note: Also referred to as preseptal cellulitis
      Dacryoadenitisa Conjunctivitisb
Acute chalazionc
Dacryocystitisd Hordeolume
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, non-typable Haemophilus influenza (most common organisms)
Abrasion Insect bite
Burns Trauma
             Local infection
Contiguous spread of infection
Sinusitis
Otitis media Hematogenous spread
Local break in skin Micro-organisms enter
Definitions:
              Note:
Eye exam should reveal normal:
- extra-ocular
movements and globe
position
- pupillary reflex and
visual acuity
If any are abnormal, the presentation is no longer considered periorbital cellulitis, as the infection has likely spread beyond the preseptal compartment/orbital septum.
If the eye cannot be assessed, the patient NEEDS a CT scan.
Pathogens reach dermis and subcutaneous periorbital tissue
Periorbital Cellulitis
a. Dacryoadenitis: infection of the lacrimal glands
b. Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the conjunctiva
c. Chalazion: a benign, painless bump or nodule inside the upper or lower eyelid which results from healed internal hordeolums that are no longer infectious.
d. Dacryocystitis: an infection of the lacrimal sac, secondary to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct at the junction of lacrimal sac.
e. Hordeolum: localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes or meibomian glands.
   Spreads beyond preseptal compartment/orbital septum
Involves the orbit Orbital cellulitis
See slide on Orbital Cellulitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Localized inflammation
Pain on palpation
Induration
Warmth
Eyelid and periorbital edema
           Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published November 5, 2018 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Sinusitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings

Sinusitis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Amanda Marchak Reviewers: Nicola Adderley Jim Rogers Danielle Nelson* * MD at time of publication
Abbreviations
URTI – Upper respiratory tract infection
Nasal obstruction/ congestion
Hyposmia
Headache
Facial pain/pressure
Maxillary tooth pain
Ear pain/ fullness
Osteomyelitis of frontal bone
          Chemical irritants
Cystic Fibrosis
Direct toxic effect on cilia
Viral URTI Allergies
Inflammation of paranasal sinuses
Edematous passageways
Septal deviation Adenoid hypertrophy Polyps
Turbinate hypertrophy Tumors Foreign body
      Dysfunctional cilia
Congenital and/or craniofacial abnormality Obstruct sinus ostia
       Cilia unable to clear mucus from sinuses
     Mucus unable to drain through ostia
   Post-nasal drip       Mucus overflows from the sinuses Cough
Mucus accumulates in sinuses
Occupies a larger volume
Applies ↑ pressure to sinus walls
Mucopurulent discharge
Bacterial1 overgrowth in sinuses Bacterial infection spreads to adjacent structures
          Halitosis Pharyngitis Throat clearing
Dental root infection
Immunodeficiency
Note:
Irritates the back of the throat
              Perforation of the Schneiderian membrane2
Passage of bacteria into the sinuses
Fever
Fatigue
Subperiosteal orbital abscess
Orbital abscess Orbital edema
            ↑ susceptibility to bacteria
     1. The most common bacteria are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococcus may be seen, but are less common. However, in cases of dental root infection, oral anaerobes become more common, while Pseudomonas species are associated with foreign bodies.
2. The Schneiderian membrane is the membranous lining of the maxillary cavity.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Meningitis Cerebral abscess
Subdural abscess Epidural abscess
Periorbital or orbital cellulitis
             Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published November 5, 2018 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Cellulitis

Cellulitis: Pathogenesis, clinical findings and complications
Authors: Tegan Evans, Spencer Yakaback Reviewers: Brian Rankin, Timothy Fu, Laurie Parsons*, Yan Yu* * MD at time of publication
Cracked skin Surgery
  Normal Skin
Epidermal layer
Dermal-Epidermal Junction
Dermal layer
Subcutaneous fat
Resident skin flora:
Coagulase-negative Staphylococci*
Transient skin flora:
Staphylococcus aureus* Streptococcus pyogenes Gram negative bacteria Fungi
                      Pathogen in deep dermis and subcutaneous fat
*most common pathogens
Break in skin barrier (may not be obvious) and entry of pathogen
    Risk Factors: Immunocompromised Host: -Diabetes mellitus+ -Lymphedema -Malnourishment
-Older patient+
-Obesity+
-Peripheral vascular disease General Infection Risk: -History of cellulitis+ +highest risk factors
Risk Factors for MRSA Cellulitis: Increased exposure to MRSA: -Contact sports
-Crowded living conditions -Health care workers -Indigenous descent
-Sharing towels, equipment
Increased susceptibility:
-Immunodeficiency -Young age
Direct inoculation (e.g. trauma) Organism virulence overwhelms host defense mechanisms (related to risk factors)
  Cellulitis: A bacterial infection in which pathogens penetrate deep dermis and/or subcutaneous fat
Cytokines activate immune response
Accumulation of pus (bacteria, white blood cells, dead skin)
Abscess formation
  Infection spreads to nearby lymph nodes
Lymphadenitis
Infection spreads through lymph vessels
Ascending lymphangitis
Local inflammatory response in skin
Pain Warmth Edema Erythema (redness)
with indistinct margins
Vesicles and bullae
Organisms penetrate blood vessels
Bacteremia (presence of bacteria in blood)
                         Systemic inflammation
Distant spread to bone
Osteomyelitis
Distant spread to endocardium (inner lining of heart chambers and valves)
Endocarditis
           Fever Malaise
Chills
Sepsis
     (rarely)
 Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
  Complications
Published September 27, 2020 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Celulitis

Celulitis: Patogénesis, hallazgos clínicos y complicaciones
Autores: Tegan Evans, Spencer Yakaback Revisores: Brian Rankin, Timothy Fu, Laurie Parsons*, Yan Yu* * MD en el momento de la publicación Traducción: Anagabriela Duarte María Rosario Talavera*
Piel agrietada Cirugía
Inoculación directa (e.j., trauma)
Organismos penetran los vasos sanguíneos
Bacteremia (presencia de bacterias en sangre)
  Piel normal
Capa epidérmica
Unión dérmica- epidérmica Capa dérmica
Grasa subcutánea
Flora cutánea residente: Staphylococcus coagulasa negativos*
Flora cutánea transitoria:
Staphylococcus aureus*
Streptococcus pyogenes
Bacterias gram negativas Hongos
         Patógeno en dermis profunda y grasa subcutánea
*patógenos más comunes
Rotura de la barrera cutánea (puede que no sea evidente) y entrada de patógenos
Virulencia del organismo supera los mecanismos de defensa del huésped (asociado a los factores de riesgo)
Celulitis: Una infección bacteriana en la que los patógenos penetran la dermis profunda y/o la grasa subcutánea
Citocinas activan la respuesta inmune
Acumulación de pus (bacterias, glóbulos blancos, piel muerta)
Formación de abscesos
   Factores de riesgo:
Huésped inmunodeprimido: -Diabetes mellitus+
-Linfedema
-Desnutrición
-Paciente adulto mayor+ -Obesidad+
-Enfermedad vascular periférica Riesgo de infección general: -Historia de celulitis+
+factores de riesgo mayores
Factores de riesgo para celulitis por SARM:
Mayor exposición a SARM: -Deportes de contacto -Hacinamiento
-Trabajadores de la salud -Ascendencia indígena -Compartir toallas, equipos Mayor susceptibilidad: -Inmunodeficiencia
-Edad temprana
Infección se propaga a los ganglios linfáticos cercanos
Linfadenitis
infección se propaga a través de los vasos linfáticos
Linfangitis ascendente
Respuesta inflamatoria local en la piel
Diseminación a distancia en endocardio (revestimiento interno de las cámaras y válvulas del corazón)
Endocarditis SARM: Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina
                Dolor
Calor
Fiebre Malestar
Diseminación a distancia en el hueso
Osteomielitis
Escalofríos
    Inflamación sistémica
        Edema Eritema (enrojecimiento)
con márgenes indefinidos
Vesículas y ampollas
(poco frecuente)
     Sepsis Abreviaturas:
       Leyenda: Patofisiología
 Mecanismo
Signos/Síntomas/Hallazgos de Laboratorio
 Complicaciones
 Publicado el 27 Septiembre, 2020 en www.thecalgaryguide.com

postpartum-puerperal-fever-pathogenesis-and-complications

Postpartum (Puerperal) Fever: Pathogenesis and complications
Author: Lindey Felske Reviewers: Brianna Ghali Ran (Marissa) Zhang Ingrid Kristensen* * MD at time of publication
Breast Feeding
  Delayed gastric emptying in pregnancy
↑ Risk of aspiration during delivery
Inhalation of gastric contents
Chemical burn of the airways from gastric acid
Tissue injury
Chemokines released by alveolar cells recruit neutrophils
Accumulation of neutrophils and plasma exudate in alveoli
Aspiration Pneumonia
Delivery
(Vaginal or Cesarean Section)
   Tissue damage:
Urinary tract catheterization
Foreign body can: Introduce
bacteria into bladder Provide a biofilm surface for bacterial adhesion Cause mucosal irritation
Invasion of bacteria into urinary tract mucosa
• • • •
Perineal tear/episiotomy (perineal incision) Abdominal incision site
Uterine damage
Retained products of conception (RPOC)
           Bacteria enter open tissue
Production of antimicrobial peptides and proinflammatory mediators in epidermis
Cellulitis
Necrosis of RPOC (good medium for bacterial growth)
Post-operative pain
Hypoventilation from shallow breathing
Low volume in alveoli
Alveolar collapse
Endogenous cervicovaginal flora migrate into the uterine cavity
Infiltration of bacteria into endometrium
Endometrial TLR4 receptors recognize the endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria
Secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) and prostaglandin E(2)
Activation of coagulation cascade
Coagulation in areas of hemostasis (e.g., deep veins)
Deep vein thrombosis
Dislodged DVT travels to pulmonary arteries
Pulmonary embolism
• •
•
Skin openings in breasts (milk ducts +/- cracks)
Bacteria from skin and/or saliva enter body
Milk backup from blocked duct or poor breastfeeding technique
Milk stasis provides environment for bacterial growth
Upregulation of IFN- γ, and IL-12A cytokines in milk ducts
Mastitis
Collection of inflammatory exudate
Breast abscess
                            Cytokine expression and inflammatory cell infiltration
Sloughing of
urinary tract lining to reduce bacterial load
          Atelectasis
Maternal fever (> 38.0°C) within 6 weeks of delivery
Urinary tract infection
Endometritis
   Legend:
 Pathophysiology
Mechanism
Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
  Published July 4, 2022 on www.thecalgaryguide.com
The image part with relationship ID rId4 was not found in the file.

Acute Otitis Externa Complications

Acute Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): Complications
Acute Otitis Externa (AOE)
Authors: Charmaine Szalay-Anderson Vaneeza Moosa Reviewers: Shayan Hemmati Shahab Marzoughi Ben Campbell Justin Lui* * MD at time of publication
Spread to subcutaneous tissue
 Chronic otitis externa (>6 weeks)
Chronic inflammation of the outer ear
Fibroblast activation for collagen and extracellular matrix components production for tissue repair
Excess accumulation of tissue
Ear canal fibrosis (thickening)
Ear canal stenosis (narrowing)
Damage/obstruction to ear canal structures with impaired fluid drainage & pressure buildup
Inflammation of the outer ear
Recurrent or non-resolving acute otitis externa Dissemination of infection
          Spread to connective tissue and cartilage
Perichondritis (inflammation of ear cartilage)
Spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in an immunocompromised host or due to antibiotic resistance
Rapid infectious spread through soft tissue to mastoid and/or temporal bone
Malignant (necrotizing) otitis externa *can be life threatening
Inflammation of connective tissue and bony structures
Spread to
tympanic membrane
Myringitis (inflammation of tympanic membrane)
Swelling and thinning of tissue
Tympanic membrane perforation (tear)
Immune reaction with inflammation
Dead white blood cell, bacteria & tissue debris accumulation in the ear canal
Pus formation with purulent otorrhea (discharge from ear)
Localized pus accumulation
Abscess
Ear canal blockage
Periauricular/ pinna (outer ear) cellulitis
Facial cellulitis
                       Erosion of temporal bone decreasing bony sound conduction
Permanent conductive hearing loss
Direct toxicity of pathogens to surrounding nerves
Cranial nerve (CN) VII (facial) palsy (+/- CN X, XI, XII)
Out-of- proportion primary otalgia (ear pain)
Sensation of fullness in the ear
Temporary hearing loss
        Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Published Dec 4, 2022; updated Feb 7, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com

Onychomycosis

Dermatophyte Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Holly Zahary Loreman Reviewers: Mina Youakim Elise Hansen Shahab Marzoughi Jodi Hardin* * MD at time of publication
Host Risk Factors
Environmental Risk Factors
         Immuno- compromised
↓ Immune response to infection
Older age
Peripheral vascular disease
Reduced blood circulation
Diabetes
Pre-existing nail dystrophy
Previous nail trauma
Integrity of nail unit is compromised
Micro- traumatic pressure on nail
Dark, warm shoe environment
Optimal conditions for fugal growth
Exposure to tinea pedis or onychomycosis
Direct spread of infection to nail unit
          High blood sugar favoring infection
      Dermatophytes invade corneocytes on stratum corneum, the uppermost non- living layer of keratinized skin
Compromise/breaking of hyponychial seal or cuticle (connection between hyponychium and nail plate)
      Proximal Subungual
White Superficial
Tinea infection (e.g. Tinea Pedis, Corporis, Capitis)
Infection spreads to distal hyponychial space
Dermatophytes colonize local tissue in nail plate and nail bed
Dermatophytes feed on keratinized tissue
General Symptoms (All Subtypes)
Spongiosis (Intercellular edema)
Acanthosis (Thickening of stratum spinosum layer of epidermis)
Hyperkeratosis (Thickening of stratum corneum In effort to rid infection)
Papillomatosis (Projections of dermal papillae)
Secondary damage to nail matrix
Loss of nail
        Keratinocytes produce an acute, low-grade inflammatory cytokine response
Onychomycosis
Dermatophytic infection of the nail bed
Inflammation promotes ↑ fluid to tissues for ↑ immune cell delivery
Widespread inflammation thickens parts of the epidermis in efforts to shed the infection
Inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia (↑ growth of cells) influence local dermal papillae (group of cells just beneath the hair follicle) to proliferate and project above the skin
 Distal Subungual
Superinfecting bacteria or other fungi proliferate beneath the compromised nail imparting a yellowish appearance
Distal Subungual Subtype
(Thick yellow nails, keratin and debris accumulate distally underneath nail plate)
Dermatophytes invade the proximal end of the nail plate
Dermatophytes penetrate through the cuticle to the newly forming nail plate moving distally
Proximal Subungual Subtype (Whitish discolouration of nail plate that begins proximally and moves distally, indicative of immunosuppression)
Fungi predominantly invade various areas of the superficial nail plate layers eventually joining together
White Superficial Subtype (Chalky white scale that spreads slowly beneath nail plate, well-defined “white islands” that coalesce as disease progresses)
The entirety of the nail plate is infected by the dermatophytes
Widespread inflammation thickens the nail plate as well as beneath the nail (subungual hyperkeratosis) in efforts to shed the infection
Total Dystrophic Subtype (End-stage nail disease, entire nail becomes thick and dystrophic)
                       Local spread of infection Dermatophytes spread causing cracks in the skin deeper into toe
Abnormal keratinization in hyponychium
Keratin accumulates between nail plate and hyponychium
     Fissure (splits in the skin)
Bacteria enters lymphatics and bloodstream
  Cellulitis Sepsis
Onycholysis (nail plate separates from nail bed)
 Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Published Mar 13, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com
 
Dermatophyte Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Holly Zahary Loreman Reviewers: Mina Youakim Elise Hansen Shahab Marzoughi Jodi Hardin* * MD at time of publication
Host Risk Factors
Environmental Risk Factors
         Immuno- compromised
↓ Immune response to infection
Older age
Peripheral vascular disease
Reduced blood circulation
Diabetes
Pre-existing nail dystrophy
Previous nail trauma
Integrity of nail unit is compromised
Micro- traumatic pressure on nail
Dark, warm shoe environment
Optimal conditions for fugal growth
Exposure to tinea pedis or onychomycosis
Direct spread of infection to nail unit
           High blood sugar favoring infection
      Dermatophytes invade corneocytes on stratum corneum, the uppermost non-living layer of keratinized skin
Compromise/breaking of hyponychial seal or cuticle (connection between hyponychium and nail plate)
       Proximal Subungual
White Superficial
Distal Subungual
Superinfecting bacteria or other fungi proliferate beneath the compromised nail imparting a yellowish appearance
Distal Subungual Subtype
(Thick yellow nails, keratin and debris accumulate distally underneath nail plate)
Infection spreads to distal hyponychial space
Dermatophytes colonize local tissue in nail plate and nail bed
Dermatophytes feed on keratinized tissue
Keratinocytes produce an acute, low-grade inflammatory cytokine response
Onychomycosis
Dermatophytic infection of the nail bed
Inflammation promotes ↑ fluid to tissues for ↑ immune cell delivery
Widespread inflammation thickens parts of the epidermis in efforts to shed the infection
Inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia (↑ growth of cells) influence local dermal papillae (group of cells just beneath the hair follicle) to proliferate and project above the skin
General Symptoms (All Subtypes)
Spongiosis (Intercellular edema)
Acanthosis (Thickening of stratum spinosum layer of epidermis)
Hyperkeratosis (Thickening of stratum corneum In effort to rid infection)
Papillomatosis (Projections of dermal papillae)
Secondary damage to nail matrix
Loss of nail
Tinea infection (e.g. Tinea Pedis, Corporis, Capitis)
             Dermatophytes invade the proximal end of the nail plate
Dermatophytes penetrate through the cuticle to the newly forming nail plate moving distally
Proximal Subungual Subtype (Whitish discolouration of nail plate that begins proximally and moves distally, indicative of immunosuppression)
Fungi predominantly invade various areas of the superficial nail plate layers eventually joining together
White Superficial Subtype (Chalky white scale that spreads slowly beneath nail plate, well-defined “white islands” that coalesce as disease progresses)
The entirety of the nail plate is infected by the dermatophytes
Widespread inflammation thickens the nail plate as well as beneath the nail (subungual hyperkeratosis) in efforts to shed the infection
Total Dystrophic Subtype (End-stage nail disease, entire nail becomes thick and dystrophic)
               Dermatophytes spread deeper into toe
Bacteria enters lymphatics and bloodstream
Abnormal keratinization in hyponychium
Keratin accumulates between nail plate and hyponychium
 Local spread of infection causing cracks in the skin
     Fissure (splits in the skin)
 Cellulitis Sepsis
Onycholysis (nail plate separates from nail bed)
  Legend:
 Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Published MONTH, DAY, YEAR on www.thecalgaryguide.com
 
 Dermatophyte Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Holly Zahary Loreman Reviewers: Mina Youakim Elise Hansen Shahab Marzoughi Jodi Hardin* * MD at time of publication
Host Risk Factors
Environmental Risk Factors
         Immuno- Older compromised age
↓ Immune response to infection
Peripheral vascular disease
Reduced blood circulation
Diabetes
Pre-existing nail dystrophy
Previous nail trauma
Integrity of nail unit is compromised
Micro- traumatic pressure on nail
Dark, warm shoe environment
Optimal conditions for fugal growth
Exposure to tinea pedis or onychomycosis
Direct spread of infection to nail unit
           High blood sugar favoring infection
      Dermatophytes invade corneocytes on stratum corneum, the uppermost non-living layer of keratinized skin
Compromise/breaking of hyponychial seal or cuticle (connection between hyponychium and nail plate)
     Tinea infection (e.g. Tinea Pedis, Corporis, Capitis)
Infection spreads to distal hyponychial space
Dermatophytes colonize local tissue in nail plate and nail bed
Dermatophytes feed on keratinized tissue
Keratinocytes produce an acute, low-grade inflammatory cytokine response
Onychomycosis
Dermatophytic infection of the nail bed
General Symptoms (All Subtypes)
Spongiosis (Intercellular edema)
Acanthosis (Thickening of stratum spinosum layer of epidermis)
Papillomatosis
(Projections of dermal papillae)
Hyperkeratosis (Thickening of stratum corneum In effort to rid infection)
Secondary damage to nail matrix
Loss of nail
 Proximal Subungual
White Superficial
    Distal Subungual
Distal Subungual Subtype
(Thick yellow nails, keratin and debris accumulate distally underneath nail plate)
Proximal Subungual Subtype (Whitish discolouration of nail plate that begins proximally and moves distally, indicative of immunosuppression)
White Superficial Subtype (Chalky white scale that spreads slowly beneath nail plate, well-defined “white islands” that coalesce as disease progresses)
Total Dystrophic Subtype (End-stage nail disease, entire nail becomes thick and dystrophic)
             Local spread of infection causing cracks in the skin
Dermatophytes spread deeper into toe
Abnormal keratinization in hyponychium
Keratin accumulates between nail plate and hyponychium
Onycholysis (nail plate separates from nail bed)
      Fissure (splits in the skin)
Bacteria enters lymphatics and bloodstream
Cellulitis Sepsis
    Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Legend:
Published MONTH, DAY, YEAR on www.thecalgaryguide.com

 Dermatophyte Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis and clinical findings
Authors: Holly Zahary Loreman Reviewers: Mina Youakim Elise Hansen Shahab Marzoughi Jodi Hardin* * MD at time of publication
Host Risk Factors
Environmental Risk Factors
         Immuno- Older compromised age
↓ Immune response to infection
Peripheral vascular disease
Reduced blood circulation
Diabetes
Pre-existing nail dystrophy
Previous nail trauma
Integrity of nail unit is compromised
Micro- traumatic pressure on nail
Dark, warm shoe environment
Optimal conditions for fugal growth
Exposure to tinea pedis or onychomycosis
Direct spread of infection to nail unit
           High blood sugar favoring infection
      Dermatophytes invade corneocytes on stratum corneum, the uppermost non-living layer of keratinized skin
Compromise/breaking of hyponychial seal or cuticle (connection between hyponychium and nail plate)
     Tinea infection (e.g. Tinea Pedis, Corporis, Capitis)
Infection spreads to distal hyponychial space
Dermatophytes colonize local tissue in nail plate and nail bed
Dermatophytes feed on keratinized tissue
Keratinocytes produce an acute, low-grade inflammatory cytokine response
Onychomycosis
Dermatophytic infection of the nail bed
 Proximal Subungual
White Superficial
General Symptoms (All Subtypes)
Spongiosis (Intercellular edema)
Acanthosis (Thickening of stratum spinosum layer of epidermis)
Papillomatosis
(Projections of dermal papillae)
Hyperkeratosis (Thickening of stratum corneum In effort to rid infection)
Secondary damage to nail matrix
Loss of nail
    Distal Subungual
Distal Subungual Subtype
(Thick yellow nails, keratin and debris accumulate distally underneath nail plate)
Proximal Subungual Subtype (Whitish discolouration of nail plate that begins proximally and moves distally, indicative of immunosuppression)
White Superficial Subtype (Chalky white scale that spreads slowly beneath nail plate, well- defined “white islands” that coalesce as disease progresses)
Total Dystrophic Subtype (End-stage nail disease, entire nail becomes thick and dystrophic)
                 Local spread of infection causing cracks in the skin
Dermatophytes spread deeper into toe
Abnormal keratinization in hyponychium
Keratin accumulates between nail plate and hyponychium
Onycholysis (nail plate separates from nail bed)
      Bacteria enters lymphatics and bloodstream
 Fissure (splits in the skin)
Cellulitis
Sepsis
    Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Legend:
Published MONTH, DAY, YEAR on www.thecalgaryguide.com

 Dermatophyte Onychomycosis (Tinea Unguium): Pathogenesis, clinical findings,
Authors: Holly Zahary Loreman Reviewers: Elise Hansen Name Name* * MD at time of publication
and complications
Host Risk Factors
Environmental Risk Factors
         Immuno- compromised
↓ immune response to infection
Older age
Peripheral vascular disease
Diabetes
Pre-existing nail dystrophy
Previous Nail Trauma
Integrity of nail unit is compromised
Micro-traumatic pressure on nail
Dark, warm shoe environment
Optimal conditions for fugal growth
Exposure to tinea pedis or onychomycosis
Direct spread of infection to nail unit
          Reduced blood circulation
High blood sugar, favoring infection
    Tinea pedis infection (see ‘Tinea Capitis, Tinea Corporis, and Tinea Pedis’)
Infection spreads to distal hyponychial space Dermatophytes colonize local tissue in nail plate and nail bed Dermatophytes feed on keratinized tissue
Proximal Subungual
White Superficial
Dermatophytes invade corneocytes on stratum corneum, the uppermost non-living layer of keratinized skin
Compromise/breaking of hyponychial seal or cuticle (connection between hyponychium and nail plate)
         Keratinocytes produce an acute, low-grade inflammatory cytokine response
Onychomycosis (Tinea Unguium)
(dermatophytic infection of the nail bed)
Distal Subungual
General Symptoms (All Subtypes)
Spongiosis
Intercellular edema
Acanthosis
Thickening of stratum spinosum layer of epidermis
Papillomatosis
Projections of dermal papillae
Hyperkeratosis
Thickening of stratum corneum In effort to rid infection
Secondary damage to nail matrix
Loss of nail
         Distal Subungual Subtype
Thick yellow nails, keratin and debris accumulate distally underneath nail plate
Proximal Subungual Subtype
Whitish discolouration of nail plate that begins proximally and moves distally, indicative of immunosuppression
White Superficial Subtype
Chalky white scale that spreads slowly beneath nail plate, well-defined “white islands” that coalesce as disease progresses
Total Dystrophic Subtype End-stage nail disease, entire nail becomes thick and dystrophic
      Local spread of infection causing cracks in the skin
Dermatophytes spread deeper into toe
Abnormal keratinization in hyponychium
Keratin accumulates between nail plate and hyponychium
Onycholysis (nail plate separates from nail bed)
         Tissue Damage
Cellulitis
Sepsis
Bacteria enters lymphatics and bloodstream
     Pathophysiology
 Mechanism
 Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding
 Complications
 Legend:
Published MONTH, DAY, YEAR on www.thecalgaryguide.com

© 2025 - The Calgary Guide to Understanding Disease

Disclaimer