Deep dermatophytosis: Report of 2 cases and review of the literature

Skin infections due to dermatophytes are common and generally associated wi th a low degree of morbidity in normal hosts. Rare cases have been reported in which the dermatophyte invaded the deep dermis, subcutis, or even inter nal organs. Two patients, each of whom had clinical and histological findin gs of a deep or locally invasive dermatophyte infection, are described. Thi s condition typically presents as a nodular eruption that is characterized histologically by suppurative granulomatous inflammation and deposition of organisms in the reticular dermis. Recognition of the potential of dermatop hytes for local invasion in susceptible hosts will help ensure proper diagn osis and timely intervention in these cases.