AntiInfectiveMeds

The anthropophilic dermatophytes E. floccosum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitate and T. rubrutn are the most common causes of tinea manuum. Less commonly, the condition is caused by zoophilic dermatophytes, such as M. canis and T. verrucosum, or geophilic dermatophytes, such as M. gypseum. Hand infection may be acquired as a result of contact with another person, with an animal, or with soil, either through direct contact, or via a contaminated object such as a towel or gardening tool. Autoinoculation from another site of infection can also occur.

The term tinea pedis is used to refer to dermatophyte infections of the feet. These infections often involve the interdigital spaces, but chronic diffuse desquamation can affect the entire sole. The anthropophilic dermatophytes E. floccosum, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale and T. rubrutn are the commonest causes of tinea pedis in the UK and North America.

The dermatophytes most often encountered in tinea cruris are E. floccosum and T. rubrum. Maceration and occlusion of the skin in the groin give rise to warm moist conditions that favour the development of the infection. Tinea cruris is a common form of dermatophytosis.

Tinea corporis is caused by E. floccosum and many species of Trichophyton and Microsporum. Infection with anthropophilic species, such as E. floccosum or T. rubrum often follows autoinoculation from another infected body site, such as the feet. Tinea corporis caused by T. tonsurans is sometimes seen in children with tinea capitis and their close contacts. Tinea corporis commonly occurs following contact with infected household pets or farm animals, but occasional cases result from contact with wild mammals or contaminated soil.

The condition is worldwide in distribution, but is most prevalent in Africa, Asia and southern and eastern Europe, where it is the most common form of dermatophytosis. Improved standards of hygiene and prompt eradication of sporadic infection have led to a marked decline in the incidence of tinea capitis in North America and western Europe.