Dermatophytes | Fungal Diseases | CDC

Dermatophytes | Fungal Diseases | CDC

Tinea Infections Update

MedlinePlus sent this bulletin at 03/04/2014 01:11 PM EST

New on the MedlinePlus Tinea Infections page:

Dermatophytes (Ringworm or Tinea)

02/28/2014 12:17 PM EST

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dermatophytes

Dermatophytes are fungi that cause skin, hair, and nail infections. Infections caused by these fungi are also sometimes known as "ringworm" or "tinea." Despite the name "ringworm," this infection is not caused by a worm, but by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. Dermatophytes can live on moist areas of the skin, on environmental surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.

Anyone can get a dermatophyte infection, including animals.Click here for more information on pets and ringworm.

For other Fungal topics, visit the Fungal Homepage.

Photomicrograph of the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Dermatophytes Topics

Definition

What are dermatophytes?

Symptoms

Itching, redness, hair and nail changes…

Risk & Prevention

Who gets it and how it can be prevented…

Sources of Infection

Direct contact, contaminated surfaces…

Diagnosis & Testing

See your health care provider, sample tissue, clinical diagnosis…

Treatment & Outcomes

Antifungal treatment, resolution of symptoms…