Dermatophytes

If you’ve ever had to deal with the discomfort and embarrassment of such conditions as ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot, it’s pretty safe to assume that you’ve had a close encounter with a dermatophyte mold.  Specifically, you’ve had a run-in with one of three specific types of mold fungi, Microsporium sp., Trichophyton sp., and Epidermophyton sp., all of which have developed an appetite for the protein keratin, a substance commonly found on your finger and toenails, scalp, hair and the skin of your palms.  These relatively harmless but highly pervasive molds thrive on keratinized tissue, and are typically not capable of penetrating past the upper layers of dead cells if you’ve got an adequately functioning immune system.  However, they do produce certain allergens as a result of their feeding process that cause the redness and inflammation associated with the aforementioned skin diseases, as well as the flaking and itching that follows.  Tinea is the collective term for these dermatophyte afflictions, with differ mainly in the area of the boy that is affected.  Dermatophytes are responsible for up to 90 percent of fungal nail infections in the United States and Europe, and statistics from various surveys on dermatophyte infection reveal steadily increasing percentages of the population that are afflicted with each year.

As with common household molds, dermatophyte molds thrive in areas that are damp or that retain moisture, and do not typically allow for good ventilation and exposure to sunlight.  Consequently, persons who frequent swimming pools and gymnasiums are most susceptible to dermatophyte infection, which is why the condition is more prevalent in those who are physically active.  Dermatophytes are surprisingly resilient if allowed to thrive in these locations, and can last for many months.  They spread through contact with infected hair or skin tissue in various surfaces, clothing and objects like combs and brushes.  Because children are typically found in groups due to schooling or common activity, one infected child places all of his companions at risk for a dermatophyte disease.  Parents and other guardians should thus be wary of this possibility, and immediately seek medical attention for any child so affected.  Lastly, people with existing skin injuries, such as healing scars or burns, are more vulnerable to dermatophytes, and should take care to limit exposure of these injuries by dressing them properly and applying a safe cleansing agent.

Dermatophyte infection can be prevented by being vigilant with one’s surroundings, making sure to plug leaks and scrub surfaces on a regular basis.  Also, be sure to dry your skin thoroughly after bathing, letting it dry before you put on clothes.  Also, avoid wearing tight, body hugging clothing if you can help it, and consider sticking to loose-fitting underwear.  Change your socks daily so that accumulated moisture and dirt do not turn your feet into a mold breeding ground. 

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a dermatophyte infection, there are a number of antifungal creams that can be used to treat it if it has affected any part of your body other than your nails or your scalp, the latter of which may require oral medication to completely resolve the infection. 

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