DERMATOPHYTE
Dermatophytes group of fungi (ringworm) have the ability to infect and survive only on dead keratin on the top layer of the skin hair and the nails.
CLASSIFICATION
The ringworm fungi belong to three genera (types):
- Microsporum
- Trichophyton
- Epidermophyton
There are several species of Microsporum and Trichophyton and one species of Epidermophyton.
The Dermatophyte Genera and Diseases
| Genus | Name of Disease | Principal Targets | How Transmitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trichophyton | Ringworm of the scalp, body, beard, and nails | Hair, skin, nails | Human to human, animal to human |
| Microsporum | Ringworm of scalp Ringworm of skin | Scalp hair Skin; not nails | Animal to human, soil to human, human to human |
| Epidermophyton | Ringworm of the groin and nails | Skin, nails; not hair | Strictly human to human |
CLINICAL CLASSIFICATION
Tinea means fungal infection. Clinically, dermatophyte infections are classified by body region:
Types by Body Region
- .Corporis → body
- .Cruris → groin
- .Pedis → foot
- .Unguium → nail
- .Capitis → scalp
Tinea corporis
more active by the borders, raised margin more likely fungal infection
Tinea pedis
Tinea capitis
erythema, scales, broken hair
Chronic tinea of the big toe nail (T. Unguium)
