ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors discuss the available information on mechanisms of defense against the dermatophytic fungi in relation to the clinical characteristics of this condition. In addition, the authors also review the data that exist on immunomodulation in dermatophytosis and discuss the potential of this form of therapy in these infections. The dermatophytoses appear to be best classified as to body site, generally using the term “tinea” followed by a term for the particular location. In most cases, the infections can be either inflammatory or noninflammatory, depending upon the causative organism. Tinea pedis is a chronic infection of the toe webs that can be scaly, vesicular, or ulcerative in form and can sometimes produce hyperkeratosis of the sole. Secondary bacterial infection frequently complicates tinea pedis. A number of situations or medical conditions can predispose to either the development of acute dermatophytosis or to chronic infections with these organisms.
