Acute infection with Trichophyton rubrum associated with flares of atopic dermatitis

Trichophyton rubrum has been implicated as a potential trigger in flares of atopic dermatitis. We describe a patient with atopic dermatitis who presen ted with a history of multiple hares and concurrent acute tinea pedis and o nychomycosis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis and culture-positive acute infe ction with T. rubrum resolved during each flare using systemic antifungals. Flares of atopic dermatitis may be. triggered by acute T. rubrum infection s. Antifungal therapy should be considered in these patients.