Dermatophyte
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Definition:
Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that under most conditions have the ability to infect and survive only on dead keratin found on the top layer of the skin, the hair, and the nails. Dermatophytes cannot survive on moist skin found inside the mouth or the vagina. Dermatophytes are responsible for the majority of skin, hair, and nail fungal infections.
Pronunciation:
dur-MATT-uh-fyt • (noun)
Related Resources:
Jock Itch
Jock itch is a common dermatophyte infection that affects more men than women. Find out more about this infection and what can be done to treat it.
Fungal Nail Infections - Onychomycosis
A dermatophyte infection of the nails causes thickened, discolored nails that can be painful. Find out what fungal nail infections look like and how they are diagnosed.
Ringworm
Ringworm, also known as tinea corporis, is a superficial dermatophyte infection of the skin. Find out more about what the ringworm rash looks like, how ringworm is diagnosed, and how ringworm is treated.
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