Dermatophyte

Dermatophytes are a type of fungus that infects the skin, hair, and nails. The most common type of dermatophyte is Trichophyton, which is responsible for most cases of athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Dermatophytes live in the skin, hair, and nails, and they require keratin, a protein found in these tissues, to survive and reproduce. Dermatophytes cause infections by breaking down the keratin, leading to red, itchy patches of skin. Treatment of dermatophyte infections usually involves antifungal medications, either taken orally or applied directly to the affected area.