Which fungal infections do dermatophytes cause?

Which fungal infections do dermatophytes cause?

The diseases that result from a dermatophyte infection are known as tineas. The location of the disease on the body further defines the disease, so that tinea pedis are dermatophyte infections of the feet, tinea cruris of the genitals, tinea corporis of the torso, and tinea capitis of the head.

Is tinea a dermatophyte?

The term tinea means fungal infection, whereas dermatophyte refers to the fungal organisms that cause tinea. Tinea is usually followed by a Latin term that designates the involved site, such as tinea corporis and tinea pedis (Table 1).

How do you treat dermatophyte infection?

Mild forms of localized dermatophyte infections of the skin can be treated with topical antifungals, such as clotrimazole. Because topical treatments are unable to penetrate the scalp, tinea capitis often requires the use of oral antifungal medications, such as griseofulvin or terbinafine.

What causes dermatophytes?

Dermatophytosis is an infection caused by fungi from three genera, namely Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Infections caused by these organisms are referred to as tinea which precedes the Latin name for the site which they involve, i.e. tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection involving the scalp.

What do dermatophytes feed on?

What are dermatophytes? Dermatophytes are fungi that feed on keratin. Because of the high amounts of keratin in your hair, skin, and nails, dermatophytes often create infections in these areas.

What diseases are caused by dermatophytes?

Dermatophytes are fungal pathogens (… phytes) that cause diseases of the skin (dermato…). These fungi grow as filaments or hyphae, forming molds. Dermatophytes are the causative agent of cutaneous mycoses, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail infections (Figure 1).

Is Candida and tinea the same?

Tinea infections are known as ringworm when found on your trunk, limbs or scalp. Tinea is known as athlete’s foot when your feet are affected, or jock itch when your groin area is affected. Thrush is the name for candida infections in the mouth, vagina or nappy area in babies.

What does fungus feed on?

Most fungi are saprophytes, feeding on dead or decaying material. This helps to remove leaf litter and other debris that would otherwise accumulate on the ground. Nutrients absorbed by the fungus then become available for other organisms which may eat fungi.

Is tinea Cruris an STD?

Jock itch (medical name Tinea Cruris) is a skin infection in your groin caused by a fungus, most commonly Trichophyton rubrum that thrives in warm, moist areas. It is NOT a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s called jock itch because male athletes commonly get it and it tends to be itchy.