Fig. 1.

Predisposing factors for dermatophyte infections and their relationships. Note: The acquisition of infectious fungal elements does not guarantee infection. Short-term mechanical carriage of the infectious elements of dermatophytes on the skin may pose a risk of transmission. Chronic carriers (months to years) or asymptomatic infections are at higher risk of transmission. An active or symptomatic infection can take two forms: superficial or invasive. The most common superficial infections with two types: inflammatory and non-inflammatory, are described. A special group in both types comprises infections that are recalcitrant to treatment, as reported in recent years