Dermatophytes obtain nutrients from keratinized material from the hair, skin and nail. Dermatophytes usually do not invade living tissue of the host, but colonize the outer layer of the skin. Clinical condition known as ring worm or tinea occurs due to host reaction to the invading agent.

There are three genera belonging to Dermatophytes:

• Microsporum:
  Fungi in this genus invade hair and skin but not nail, produce numerous macroconidia. Microconidia also present
• Trichophyton:
  Fungi in this genus invade hair, skin and nail, produce numerous microconidia, rare macroconidia
• Epidermophyton:
  Fungi in this genus invade nail and skin but not hair, produce numerous macroconidia, microconidia absent.

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