We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Dermatophytes?

Allison Boelcke
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,169
Share

Dermatophytes are a variety of fungi that can cause infections. These fungi-related infections are technically known as tinea. Tinea infections can develop on any area of the body, but tend to be most frequent in the nails, skin, or hair. The type of tinea infection that occurs depends on the exact dermatophyte species a person comes into contact with.

Tinea capitis is an infection that occurs in the scalp and is often caused by the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans. It causes the skin on the scalp to become extremely dry and rough. In more severe cases of tinea capitis, the hair may become fragile and fall out. The condition is most likely to occur in children who are in school or other public programs where they are constantly exposed to other children.

Dermatophytes are also responsible for tinea pedis infections, more often referred to as athlete’s foot because it is worsened by sweat and tight footwear. This infection is typically caused by contact with the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. The main symptoms of athlete’s foot are itchy patches of skin on the feet and between the toes.

Another common dermatophyte infection is tinea cruris, also known as jock itch. It usually develops in the groin area and upper thighs after contact with the fungus Trichophyton rubrum or even as a complication of athlete’s foot. Although it can occur in women, jock itch tends to be much more likely in men.

Dermatophytes do not just occur in people; they can also develop in housepets as well. The most common fungus in house pets is Microsporum canis. If a person is in contact with an infected pet, he or she may develop tinea corporis, or undifferentiated infections that can occur on skin all over the body.

Infections caused by dermatophytes are typically treated with either oral or topical antifungal medications. Oral antifungal medications are often recommended for children with tinea capitis because it can be difficult for topical versions to effectively reach the infected areas of the scalp without the hair getting in the way. Topical medications are usually prescribed for skin-based dermatophyte infections.

The spread of dermatophytes can generally be prevented. The fungi can be transmitted through contact with another person’s infected skin, hair, or nails. People in regular close contact with others can reduce their risks of contracting infections by washing their hands often and not sharing items with other people that frequently touch their body tissues, such as combs, hairbrushes, or hats.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-dermatophytes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.