B35: Dermatophytosis
Dermatophytosis refers to a group of fungal infections that affect the skin, including the hair and nails. These infections are caused by a group of different types of fungi known as dermatophytes. Dermatophytes feed on keratin, a protein found in dead skin, hair, and nails. As a result, they primarily affect areas where this protein is abundant. People get dermatophytosis through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or object. Common symptoms include patches of skin that may be red, peeling, or scaly, and nails that become discolored, thick, or begin to break away from the nail bed. Hair may fall out in patches. The condition can be more severe and difficult to treat in people with suppressed immune systems.
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