Dermatophyte infections, also known as tinea or ringworm, are superficial fungal infections caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi primarily infect keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. The infections are characterized by itching, redness, and scaling, and can affect various parts of the body including the scalp (tinea capitis), feet (tinea pedis), and groin (tinea cruris).
