Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that cause infections in the skin, hair, and nails, leading to conditions known as dermatophytoses. Common dermatophytes include species from the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. These fungi thrive in keratin-rich tissues and cause various types of infections, such as:
- Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body)
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
- Tinea capitis (scalp infection)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Onychomycosis (nail fungal infection)
Dermatomycoses is a broader term that encompasses skin infections caused by various types of fungi, including both dermatophytes and other non-dermatophytic fungi such as Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Dermatomycoses refers to any fungal infection of the skin, while dermatophytoses specifically refer to infections caused by dermatophytes.
In summary:
- Dermatophytoses: Specific infections caused by dermatophyte fungi.
- Dermatomycoses: A general term for all fungal skin infections, which can include dermatophytes as well as other fungi.
Both types of infections can present with similar symptoms such as itching, redness, and scaling of the skin, but they may require different types of treatment based on the specific causative agent.