Dermatophytosis is a dermatophyte-induced infection of the hair , skin, or nails, most commonly from the genus Trichophyton and less commonly from the genus Microsporum or Epidermophyton. Dermatophytosis includes several distinct clinical entities, depending on the anatomic site and etiologic agents involved. Clinically, the conditions include tinea capitis, tinea favosa (favus resulting from infection by Trichophyton schoenleinii), tinea corporis (ringworm of glabrous skin), tinea imbricata (ringworm resulting from infection by Trichophyton concentricum), tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin), tinea unguium or onychomycosis (ringworm of the nail), tinea pedis (ringworm of the feet), tinea barbae (ringworm of the beard), and tinea manuum (ringworm of the hand). Dermatophytosis in India is common

Dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic moulds and commensal yeasts cause superficial fungal infections. In developing countries such as India, dermatophytes, the most common causative agents, are of high significance. While typically painless and superficial, these fungi can be invasive, cause deeper and disseminated infections and should not be overlooked. Lesions can become common and have major adverse effects on social, psychological and occupational health, and can seriously compromise the quality of life. Dermatologists in India are currently inundated with cases of dermatophytosis with rare large lesions, ring inside ring lesions, multiple site lesions (tinea cruris et corporis), and modified corticosteroid lesions, making it difficult to diagnose. Moreover, unlike any other dermatological disorder in the world, chronicity of the disease has afflicted patients.

Dermatologists in India are currently inundated with cases of dermatophytosis with rare large lesions, ring inside ring lesions, multiple site lesions (tinea cruris et corporis), and modified corticosteroid lesions, making it difficult to diagnose. Moreover, unlike any other dermatological disorder in the world, chronicity of the disease has afflicted patients.