Dermatophytes

 

Dermatophytes are important in our environment, clearing debris. However, they are also common skin pathogens, causing athlete's foot, ringworm, and other infections.

 

Epidemiology

 

Classification and Characteristics

closely realated group of keratolytic fungi

 

 

Virulence Factors

 

Transmission and Infection

Transmission of dermatophytes may be via skin squames, formites, and rarely by person-to-person.

Minor trauma allows dermatophyte infection. Fungal penetration balances turnover in superficial squamous cells.

Hair and nails may also be affected.

 

Malassezia furfur flourishes on skin fatty acids.

 

Clinical Manifesations

Spore growth inside hair can cause them to become brittle and snap.

Nails attacked from underneath

Red, scaly, rash may have pustules with a central clearing and migrating margins: ringworm or jock itch

 

Malassezia furfur causes tinea versicolor, a superficial skin infection that presents as a hyper- or hypo- pigmented lesion with itching and occasional pustules

 

Diagnosis

 

 

Treatment