Fungal infections of the skin

Fungal infection of the skin is common. It is caused by dermatophytes, which invade the keratin of the stratum corneum, and is often known as ringworm or tinea. Infection of the body or tinea corporis is often caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Tinea cruris, a dermatophyte fungal infection affecting the groin, is caused by T rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Epidermophyton floccosum. Infection is often transmitted from the hands or feet.

Fungal infection can be transmitted through direct contact with another person (anthropophilic infection) or an animal (zoophilic infection). Contact with contaminated clothing or bedding can lead to indirect transmission.

The most common presentations of fungal infection are tinea pedis (Athlete's foot) and tinea manuum affecting the hand.