Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis is superficial fungal infection of hair/skin/nails; rare deep infections. Common: tinea capitis/corporis/cruris/manus/pedis/dermatophytid. Dermatophytids = blood-borne allergic reactions outside the primary focus. Most common infectious dermatosis; affects >100 million Chinese.

Common Symptoms

Scale; pustule; nodule; alopecia; tinea pedis; pruritus; crusting; abscess

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: ~45 keratinophilic dermatophyte species; 3 genera (Trichophyton/Microsporum/Epidermophyton). Warm/moist skin favors. (2) Pathogenesis: not endogenous; moist/occluded skin; incubation/growth/regression; keratinases/proteinases drive colonization/virulence. Direct fungal damage to keratin + host inflammation; hair invasion → tinea capitis/kerion; stratum corneum invasion → tinea corporis/cruris/manus/pedis.

Treatment

Drug, supportive, rehabilitation therapy

Preventive Measures

Mass health education; early diagnosis/treatment; loose clothing; weight loss for obesity; wash/iron bedding.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.