Ann Clin Microbiol 2025;28(1):1. Prevalence, clinical features, and diagnostic methods of dermatophyte skin infection in Korea
| Dermatophytoses | Clinical Characteristics | Most Common Fungi | Prevalence in Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinea pedis | Common globally (20%-25%). Interdigital type most common. High prevalence in military personnel. Causes include aging, immunosuppression, and humid environments. | T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes | 51.5% in Korean soldiers; 75% in U.S. military during summer. |
| Tinea corporis | Occurs on non-hairy skin. Most common annular type in Korea (87.6%). Coinfections common, mainly with tinea pedis and onychomycosis. | T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, M. canis | Annular type most common (87.6%). Coinfections in 57.1% of cases. |
| Tinea capitis | Occurs on scalp and hair follicles. More common in children. Increased incidence in adults due to immunosuppression. M. canis most common in children, T. rubrum in adults. | M. canis (children), T. rubrum (adults) | Primarily children (85.5% M. canis). Increasing cases in adults, especially postmenopausal women. |
| Onychomycosis | Fungal infection of nails. Common in elderly. T. rubrum most frequent in toenails; Candida spp. in fingernails. Rising in children due to lifestyle changes. | T. rubrum, Candida albicans | Higher in elderly; rising in children. T. rubrum causes 76% of toenail infections in Korea. |
| Tinea faciei | Occurs on hairless facial areas. Often misdiagnosed as dermatitis or rosacea. Common in agricultural workers. T. rubrum most prevalent. | T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans | More frequent in men and agricultural workers. Cheeks most commonly affected (64.3%). |
| Tinea cruris | Groin infection. Common in males. Often associated with tinea pedis. T. rubrum most frequent causative agent (93.5%). | T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, E. floccosum | Male-to-female ratio as high as 23.9:1. Peaks in summer. |
| Tinea manuum | Affects hands, commonly linked to tinea pedis. “Two feet–one hand” syndrome common. T. rubrum most frequent cause. | T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, M. gypseum | Higher in men (Male:Female = 2:1). Frequently coexists with other tinea infections. |
Abbreviations: GVHD, graft-versus-host disease; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019.