Trichophyton refers to a group of fungi that can infect humans, animals, and soil. There are a multitude of different species of fungi that are classified within the genus trichophyton . However, there are only a few of these that actually infect humans. These fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in the skin. As a result, they cause a variety of ailments, including athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, fungal nail infection, tinea barbae, tinea capitis, and majocchi's granuloma.
The specific fungus that most commonly causes athlete's foot is called trichophyton rubrum. These fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. They can grow in socks, shoes, wet floors, and other soggy environments.
These fungi feed on keratin in the skin. When trichophyton begins to reproduce on the skin, it changes the texture of the skin and causes blistering, peeling, and itching. The different types can cause a variety of symptoms. For example, trichophyton mentagrophytes will usually cause inflammatory lesions on the nails, skin, or scalp. All species are considered dermatophytes, meaning they require the nutrients in the skin to grow.
A trichophyton infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including inflammation, itching, pain, bad odors, blisters, and other dermatological conditions. Some people are more susceptible to skin fungal infections than others. Certain conditions, however, can serve as catalysts for infections. People who suffer from irritated skin, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin disorders may be particularly vulnerable to fungal infections. Some animals can transmit certain species of trichophyton to humans.
When trichophyton causes ringworm, it presents as an uncomfortable infection that manifests as rashes and large, raised lesions on the skin. There are a variety of topical and oral pharmaceuticals that can treat these types of infections. A doctor will usually recommend or prescribe topical antifungals to treat this fungus. Some of the more common antifungals include terbinafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, and miconazole. A doctor may also recommend taking oral medications to treat the fungus.
The most effective way to prevent these fungal infections is to keep your skin dry and practice good hygiene. If a person plays sports, then he or she should normally make sure that he or she changes clothes frequently. The same sweaty socks should not be worn over and over again. Hands usually need to be washed regularly as well.