Etymed
dermatophytosis
Definition
A fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails caused by dermatophyte fungi
Clinical context
A 25-year-old male presents with pruritic, scaly patches on his feet and between his toes. Physical examination reveals erythematous, fissured lesions with raised borders. Culture of skin scrapings grows dermatophyte fungi. The patient reports recent participation in communal showers at the gym. Which of the following best describes the causative organism?
Mnemonic
DERMATOPHYTOSIS = DERMIS (skin), PHYTO (plant), SIS (infection) - Fungal infection of skin, hair, and nails