Dermatophyte fungi are confined to the keratin layer of the epidermis and include three genera: Microsporum, Epidermophyton and @entity12734 . These infections can be transmitted by @entity1 contact (anthropophilic), from the soil (geophilic) and by animal (zoophilic) spread. @entity281 usually present as an erythematous, @entity203 , which may or may not be itchy. Asymmetry is an important clinical clue to @entity364 , as is annular morphology. Examination under ultraviolet (Wood's light) can be helpful. The gold standard for diagnosing cutaneous @entity364 is microscopy and culture of scale, hair or nail, and a definite diagnosis is desirable before commencing treatment, especially with oral therapy. Any dermatophyte species affecting the body can affect the hands. The most common organism is @entity12734 . @entity281 affects the trunk mainly in @entity1 and adolescents, and all genera of dermatophyte can cause it. @entity281 involves the groin region and is more common in @entity1 than @entity1 . @entity12734 is the most common causative dermatophyte. The clinical features of @entity3100 include @entity3067 hair loss with varying degrees of scale, erythema and pustules. Infected hairs tend to break at the base, leaving stubble. Occasionally, there is invasion of the visible epidermis, resulting in a boggy, @entity158 with associated @entity1665 and regional lymphadenopathy known as a kerion.

Diagnosis directs treatment in XXXX of the skin.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['men', 'women', 'children', 'human'] @entity1665 :: ('MESH:D000505', 'Disease') :: ['alopecia'] @entity203 :: ('MESH:D003875', 'Disease') :: ['scaly eruption'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['Tinea cruris infection', 'Tinea corporis infection', 'Dermatophyte infections'] @entity364 :: ('MESH:D009181', 'Disease') :: ['fungal infections', 'fungal infection'] @entity3100 :: ('MESH:D014006', 'Disease') :: ['tinea capitis'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['painful swelling'] @entity3067 :: ('MESH:C531609', 'Disease') :: ['patchy'] @entity12734 :: ('5551', 'Species') :: ['Trichophyton', 'T. rubrum']
@entity364 :: (MESH:D009181,Disease) :: ['fungal infections']
