The medical classification of dermatomycoses does not follow any biological classification. It was made according to clinical and therapeutic aspects.
3 groups were distinguished:
- D: Dermatophytes
- H: Yeasts
- S: Moulds
All representatives of these 3 groups can cause infections in humans and animals. Dermatomycoses include diseases caused by colonization of the skin and its appendages with fungi.
Dermatophytes are the predominant pathogens, which as "keratinophilic" fungi cause superficial mycoses in the stratum corneum and in the keratinophilic skin appendages (hair, nails).
Yeast infections are opportunistic infections of the skin, mucous membranes and nails. For clinical reasons, yeast infections with Candida spp. are classified as dermatomycoses.
Molds usually infect secondary (free-riders) already pathologically changed skin or nails.