Dermatophytosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dermatophytosis Definition

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. It is caused by a dermatophyte and may be characterized by redness of the skin, small papular vesicles, fissures, and scaling. The infection is generally limited to the top layer of skin. Tinea pedis may be present with extreme itching and pain, especially while walking, because of the scaling and blisters between the toes.

The group of superficial fungal infections is usually classified according to location on the body. Dermatophytosis is also known as tinea, athlete's foot and ringworm.

Dermatophytosis Causes

Dermatophytosis or athlete's foot may be usually caused by a fungus called Trichophyton. It is a common condition that affects some people more than others. About twenty percent of all infected people develop chronic conditions. Dermatophytosis infections result from several different fungi. Transmission may be occured directly through contact with infected lesions or indirectly through contact with contaminated articles such as shoes, towels or shower stalls.

If the infection causes skin breakdown, a bacterial infection may be result. Some cases come from contact with animals or soil. Some of the fungi involved in these conditions primarily infect animals, but they may be transmitted from animals to humans.

Dermatophytosis Symptoms

Itching is the most common and annoying symptom of this condition. Athlete's foot usually appears as an itchy, red rash between the toes or underneath the arch of the foot. Some cats do not exhibit clinical symptoms but can be normal appearing carriers of the fungal organism.

Tinea barbae is an uncommon infection that affects the bearded facial area of men.

The other symptoms of the dermatophytosis:

• dry skin
• scaly skin
• green nails
• blisters
• scabs
• grey nails
• ring-like raised itchy patches
• temporary scalp hair loss at ringworm site

Dermatophytosis Treatments

Dermatophytosis or athlete's foot is easy to treat at home using an over-the-counter antifungal cream.

The creams may be contained:

• tolnaftate
• miconazole
• other medicines

The healthcare provider may also be prescribed antifungal pills, some medications may be itraconazole, terbinafine,griseofulvin and fluconazole.

Topical antifungal preparations should be effective in treating small, uncomplicated tinea infections located in areas other than the scalp.

Tinea capitis, regardless of severity, may be treated with oral antifungal medication, since topical antifungals do not penetrate hair follicles well.