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Living with Deep dermatophytosis

A rare fungal infection that invades deeper layers of the skin, mostly in people with weakened immune systems.

Understanding Deep dermatophytosis

Deep dermatophytosis is a rare, severe fungal infection in which dermatophyte fungi invade the deeper layers of the skin.

The fungus invades the dermis and the tissue just under the skin. It often spreads to lymph nodes and sometimes to the central nervous system. Most cases occur in people with weakened immune systems. GARD lists onset in childhood and adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a detailed symptom list. Its summary describes these skin signs:

  • Redness (erythema)
  • Skin flaking
  • Itching
  • Nodules or plaques
  • Skin ulcers

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is the fungus identified, such as with a skin sample?
Which antifungal care and monitoring will I need?
Does my immune health affect this infection?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild and as an Adult

It is caused by dermatophyte fungi invading the skin. Most cases happen in people with weakened immune systems.

Infectious

Also known as: deep seated dermatophytosis; dermatophytic granuloma; dermatophytic mycetoma; dermatophytosis profunda; disseminated granulomatous dermatophytosis; granuloma trichophyticum

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Deep dermatophytosisGARD ID 21631 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Deep dermatophytosis.

Explore the Deep dermatophytosis blog

Explore research for Deep dermatophytosis

Explore actively recruiting Deep dermatophytosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Deep dermatophytosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Deep dermatophytosis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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