Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Trichophyton?

Max Meinhof
Max Meinhof

Trichophyton is a grouping, or “genus,” of fungi that includes many different species. All are related from a biological perspective, but practically speaking they can be really different; they live in different places, feed on different things, and have different appearances. Some live in the soil and others in the water. A few species actually thrive and grow on human hosts. Fungi in these classes feed on keratin, which is a protein found in human skin and hair, and these are primarily responsible for things like athlete’s foot and ringworm. Jock itch, fungal nail infections, and certain skin rashes can also be the fault of fungi in the broad trichophyton family.

The Genus in General

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot resides in warm, moist places, like swimming pools.
The fungus that causes athlete’s foot resides in warm, moist places, like swimming pools.

There are more than 20 species of fungus within this genus. In general, all are considered eurotiomycetes, which is a classification term. They reproduce through the distribution of spores, and most are fairly simple organisms when viewed on a cellular level. Most are virtually unknown to anyone outside of the biological or scientific world; this is particularly true of those that thrive in the deep ocean, or beneath the soil in specific geographic locations.

Species that Impact Humans

Individuals who suffer from psoriasis may be particularly vulnerable to fungal infections.
Individuals who suffer from psoriasis may be particularly vulnerable to fungal infections.

There are a few species that can be very noticeable to humans if and when the spores come into contact with the skin. These species are generally known as “anthropophilic,” which means that they prefer human hosts to other possible habitats. Species in this category include concentricum, megnini, and rubrum. All are considered to be dermatophytes, meaning they require the nutrients in skin for growth and reproduction. Infections are usually both uncomfortable and persistent, and in many cases can only be killed off with medicated ointments or pharmaceutical drugs.

Trichophyton cause a variety of ailments, including ringworm.
Trichophyton cause a variety of ailments, including ringworm.

The most common symptoms of this sort of skin infection include inflammation, itching, pain, foul odors, blisters, and other dermatological conditions. The scalp and nails are usually included in “skin” in these contexts. Some people are more susceptible to dermal fungal infections than others. Certain conditions, however, can serve as catalysts for the infections. People who suffer from irritated skin, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin disorders may be particularly vulnerable to fungal infections.

Athlete’s Foot

Wearing clean, dry socks may help prevent fungal infections.
Wearing clean, dry socks may help prevent fungal infections.

One of the most well known problems caused by this particular fungus is athlete’s foot. Trichophyton rubrum is usually to blame in these cases; this species thrives in areas that are warm and moist. People often contract the fungus from sweaty socks, hence the name, but it can also come from pools, changing rooms, or communal showers. Anywhere that is more or less perpetually wet and steamy can be a good breeding ground.

Ringworm

One species of trichophyton causes athlete's foot.
One species of trichophyton causes athlete's foot.

Ringworm is another common condition. When trichophyton causes ringworm, it presents as an uncomfortable infection that manifests as large, raised rashes and lesions on the skin. Most don’t respond to regular lotions or over-the-counter rash creams. There are a variety of topical and oral pharmaceuticals that can treat these types of infections, usually containing a cocktail of medications. Some of the most common include terbinafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, and miconazole. A physician might also recommend taking oral antifungal medications to treat the condition.

Prevention Tips

Antifungal creams commonly contain clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
Antifungal creams commonly contain clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine.

The most effective way to prevent these sorts of fungal infections is usually to keep the skin as dry as possible. This often includes wearing breathable clothes and, in the warmer summer months or during intense aerobic activity like sports, making sure to change into fresh clothing periodically. The same sweaty socks should not be worn over and over, for instance, and shirts and shorts should be laundered regularly.

Walking barefoot in public places may cause foot fungus.
Walking barefoot in public places may cause foot fungus.

Practicing good hygiene can also help. Regularly washing hands, showering daily, and wearing shoes or sandals to walk across wet, dirty floors can prevent the fungus from ever coming into contact with the skin, or at least can prevent it from latching on. Many public shower facilities require bathers to wear some form of foot covering for exactly this reason.

Discussion Comments

Telsyst

Athlete's foot is a scary prospect for someone with a disease like diabetes or someone with heart problems.

You learn a lot about foot care when you are diagnosed and feet are at the top of the list. You need to keep your feet extra clean, moisturized and most of all, protected.

With diabetes you have an impaired immune system and reduced blood flow to your feet. These two factors are on every diabetic's mind.

Itching an extremity like your foot with diabetes is bad. A scratch can lead to an infection pretty fast.

Most diabetics are instructed to have their feet unexposed as much as possible. Keeping an infection out of your feet is the best course of action.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The fungus that causes athlete’s foot resides in warm, moist places, like swimming pools.
      By: Brian Jackson
      The fungus that causes athlete’s foot resides in warm, moist places, like swimming pools.
    • Individuals who suffer from psoriasis may be particularly vulnerable to fungal infections.
      By: Farina3000
      Individuals who suffer from psoriasis may be particularly vulnerable to fungal infections.
    • Trichophyton cause a variety of ailments, including ringworm.
      By: schankz
      Trichophyton cause a variety of ailments, including ringworm.
    • Wearing clean, dry socks may help prevent fungal infections.
      By: AlessandroContadin
      Wearing clean, dry socks may help prevent fungal infections.
    • One species of trichophyton causes athlete's foot.
      By: roblan
      One species of trichophyton causes athlete's foot.
    • Antifungal creams commonly contain clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
      By: agephotography
      Antifungal creams commonly contain clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine.
    • Walking barefoot in public places may cause foot fungus.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Walking barefoot in public places may cause foot fungus.
    • Practicing good hygiene, including regularly washing hands, can prevent fungus from ever coming into contact with the skin.
      By: Deminos
      Practicing good hygiene, including regularly washing hands, can prevent fungus from ever coming into contact with the skin.