Dermatophytes are fungi that cause tinea infections on the skin, nails, and hair. Tinea capitis affects the scalp, tinea pedis affects the feet, and tinea cruris affects the groin. Pets can also carry dermatophytes. Treatment includes oral or topical antifungal medications, and prevention involves avoiding contact with infected skin, hair, or nails.
Dermatophytes are a variety of fungi that can cause infections. These fungal-related infections are technically known as tinea. Tinea infections can develop anywhere on the body, but tend to be more common in the nails, skin, or hair. The type of tinea infection that occurs depends on the exact species of dermatophytes 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 scalp skin to become extremely dry and rough. In severe cases of tinea capitis, hair can become brittle and fall out. The condition is more likely to occur in children who attend 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 aggravated by perspiration and tight footwear. This infection is typically caused by contact with the Trichophyton rubrum fungus. 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 also as a complication of athlete’s foot. While it can occur in women, itching tends to be much more likely in men.
Dermatophytes don’t just occur in people; they can also develop in pets as well. The most common fungus in pets is Microsporum canis. If a person is in contact with an infected pet, he or she can develop tinea corporis, or undifferentiated infections that can occur on skin all over the body.
Infections caused by dermatophytes are usually treated with 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 infected areas of the scalp without hair getting in the way. Topical medications are usually prescribed for skin-based dermatophyte infections.
The spread of dermatophytes can usually be prevented. Fungi can be transmitted through contact with another person’s infected skin, hair, or nails. People in close regular contact with others can reduce their risks of getting 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.
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