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Research Article Volume 11 Issue 1
Cutaneous fungal infections with emphasis on Dermatophytoses: clinical patterns, diagnostic challenges, and epidemiological perspectives
Marco Vinícios de Oliveira Santana, Carlos Henrique Marchiori, Klebert de Paula Malheiros, Érico Meirelles de Melo
Received: January 06, 2026 | Published: February 10, 2026
Citation: Santana MVO, Marchiori CH, Malheiros KP, et al. Cutaneous fungal infections with emphasis on Dermatophytoses: clinical patterns, diagnostic challenges, and epidemiological perspectives.MOJ Biol Med. 2026;11(1):7‒14. DOI: 10.15406/mojbm.2026.11.00264
Abstract
Cutaneous fungal infections represent one of the most common groups of infectious diseases worldwide, affecting a substantial proportion of the global population and posing a persistent challenge to clinical practice. Among superficial mycoses, dermatophytoses, Tinea infections account for the majority of cases due to their strong affinity for keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. The clinical spectrum of these infections is broad and varies according to anatomical site, host factors, and environmental conditions, frequently leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. This narrative review provides an integrated analysis of cutaneous fungal infections, with particular emphasis on dermatophytoses, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic implications, and public health relevance. A quantitative synthesis of the literature published between 2005 and 2025 was performed, allowing estimation of the relative distribution of major tinea types globally and in Brazil. The results highlight Tinea pedis Peck, 1907, as the most prevalent dermatophyte infection worldwide, followed by Tinea corporis Bodin, 1908, and Tinea cruris Bodin, 1908, while Tinea capitis Gruby, 1843, remains a significant concern in pediatric populations. Diagnostic challenges persist due to clinical overlap with inflammatory dermatoses and widespread misuse of topical corticosteroids, which may alter lesion morphology and contribute to chronicity and recurrence. Accurate diagnosis supported by mycological methods, combined with site-specific therapy and preventive strategies, is essential for effective disease control. Strengthening clinical awareness and integrating epidemiological data into routine practice are key to improving outcomes and reducing the burden of cutaneous fungal infections. Accurate diagnosis supported by mycological methods, combined with site-specific therapy and preventive strategies, remains essential for effective disease control and reduction of recurrence rates in cutaneous fungal infections.
Keywords: dermatophytoses, diagnosis, epidemiology, superficial mycoses, tinea
©2026 Santana, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.