Fungal infections of the skin and nails form the most
numerous and widespread group of all mycoses. The
prevalence of superficial mycotic infections has risen to
such a level in the last decades that skin mycoses now
affect more than 20–25% of the worlds population,
making them one of the most frequent forms of
infections.1 The distribution of the dermatomycoses,
their aetiological agents and the predominating anatomical
infection patterns vary with geographical location
and a wide range of environmental and cultural
factors.1,2 Dermatophytes thrive at surface temperatures
of 25–28 C and infection of human skin is supported
by warm and humid conditions. For these reasons,