What’s Trichophyton?

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Trichophyton is a grouping, or “genus,” of fungi that includes many different species. All are related from a biological perspective, but in practice they can be very different; they live in different places, feed on different things, and look different. Some live in soil and some in water. Some species actually thrive and grow on human hosts. The fungi in these classes feed on keratin, which is a protein found in human skin and hair, and these are primarily responsible for things like athlete’s foot and ringworm. Jock itch, fungal nail infections, and some rashes can also be to blame for fungi in the large trichophyton family.

Gender in general

There are more than 20 species of mushrooms within this genus. In general, all are considered Eurothiomycetes, which is a classification term. They reproduce through the distribution of spores and most are fairly simple organisms when viewed at the cellular level. Most are virtually unknown to anyone outside the biological or scientific world; this is especially true for those that thrive deep in the ocean, or under the ground in specific geographic locations.

Species that impact humans

There are some species that can be very noticeable to humans if and when the spores make contact with the skin. These species are generally known as “anthropophilic,” which means they prefer human hosts to other possible habitats. Species in this category include concentricum, megnini and rubrum. All are considered dermatophytes, meaning they require nutrients in the skin for growth and reproduction. Infections are usually both annoying and persistent, and in many cases can only be eliminated with medicated ointments or medications.

The most common symptoms of this type of skin infection include inflammation, itching, pain, odor, blisters, and other dermatological conditions. The scalp and nails are usually included in “skin” in these contexts. Some people are more susceptible to fungal skin infections than others. Some conditions, however, can act as catalysts for infections. People suffering from irritated skin, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin ailments may be especially vulnerable to fungal infections.

Athlete’s foot

One of the more well-known problems caused by this particular fungus is athlete’s foot. In these cases, Trichophyton rubrum is usually to blame; this species thrives in warm, humid areas. People often get the fungus from sweaty socks, hence the name, but it can also come from swimming pools, locker rooms, or communal showers. Anywhere that is more or less perpetually wet and steamy can be good breeding ground.

Ringworm

Ringworm is another common condition. When trichophyton causes ringworm, it presents as a nagging infection that manifests itself as large, raised rashes and lesions on the skin. Most don’t respond to regular lotions or over-the-counter rash creams. There are a variety of topical and oral medications that can treat these types of infections, usually containing a cocktail of drugs. Some of the more common ones include terbinafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole and miconazole. A doctor might also recommend taking oral antifungal medications to treat the condition.
Prevention tips

The most effective way to prevent these types of fungal infections is usually to keep the skin as dry as possible. This often includes wearing breathable clothing and, in the hotter summer months or during strenuous aerobic activity such as sport, making sure to change into fresh clothing periodically. The same sweaty socks shouldn’t be worn over and over again, for example, and T-shirts and shorts should be washed regularly.

Good hygiene can help too. Washing your hands regularly, showering daily, and wearing shoes or sandals to walk on wet, dirty floors can keep the fungus from making contact with your skin, or at least can prevent it from sticking. Many public showers require bathers to wear some form of foot covering for this very reason.

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