A blistering eruption

WE ARE used to tinea on the feet giving rise to a red scaly rash, but sometimes tinea presents as a vesicular or blistering eruption.

It is thought that this occurs when the body develops a type IV hypersensitivity reaction to fungal protein. The fungus is in the roof of the blister and is removed when this layer peels away after the blister bursts. However this rarely cures the tinea. It slowly builds up again and a similar response occurs. Treatment options include oral griseofulvin for six weeks or topical terbinafine cream twice a day for at least a month, and then periodically to stop fungal build up. In the acute situation, if itch is a major problem a strong topical steroid cream can be used for a short time.

See www.skinconsult.com.au for further details.