What is the Difference Between Dermatophytosis and Dermatomycosis?

Dermatophytosis and dermatomycosis are both fungal infections that affect the skin, but they differ in the causative agents and the nature of the infections.

Dermatophytosis is caused by a specialized group of keratinolytic pathogenic fungi, known as dermatophytes, which include the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. These fungi invade and colonize the stratum corneum of the skin and keratinized tissues, such as smooth skin, skin folds, scalp, and nails or claws. Dermatophytosis represents a subcategory of dermatomycosis.

Dermatomycosis, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes any fungal infection of the skin, such as secondary spread from systemic infection by Candida spp or colonization by a variety of soil-inhabiting organisms. It is caused by fungi belonging to Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Cladosporium species.

In summary, the main differences between dermatophytosis and dermatomycosis are:

• Dermatophytosis is caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton), while dermatomycosis is caused by a wider range of fungi, including Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Cladosporium.
• Dermatophytosis represents a subcategory of dermatomycosis.

Comparative Table: Dermatophytosis vs Dermatomycosis

Dermatophytosis and dermatomycosis are both fungal infections that affect the skin, but they are caused by different types of fungi and present distinct symptoms. Here is a comparison between the two:

Dermatophytosis is primarily caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on human skin, hair, and nails. On the other hand, dermatomycosis is a broader term that includes infections caused by both dermatophytes and other forms of yeasts or molds like Candida and Malassezia. The severity of dermatomycosis and the aspect of the lesion depend on the site of infection and the immunological response of the infected individual.