dermatophyte

(noun)

a parasitic fungus that secretes extracellular enzymes that break down keratin, causing infections the skin, such as jock itch and athlete's foot

Related Terms

Examples of dermatophyte in the following topics:

  • Fungal Skin and Nail Diseases

    • Tinea cruris, also known as crotch itch, crotch rot, Dhobie itch, eczema marginatum, gym itch, jock itch, jock rot, and ringworm of the groin is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the groin region in any sex, though more often seen in males.
    • The fungi that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.

  • Fungi as Plant, Animal, and Human Pathogens

    • These fungi are often misnamed "dermatophytes", from the Greek words dermis meaning skin and phyte meaning plant, although they are not plants.
    • Dermatophytes are also called "ringworms" because of the red ring they cause on skin.