Difference Between Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Mycoses

Key Difference

Cutaneous and subcutaneous mycoses are both types of fungal infections but differ in their depth and area of infection. Cutaneous mycoses affect the skin, hair, and nails, often manifesting as rashes or lesions. Subcutaneous mycoses, on the other hand, occur beneath the skin, caused by fungi penetrating deeper layers, often through wounds or injuries.

Comparative Analysis

1. Infection Depth:
   • Cutaneous: Skin surface, hair, nails.
   • Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin.
2. Common Causes:
   • Cutaneous: Dermatophytes and yeasts.
   • Subcutaneous: Trauma introducing fungi to deeper tissues.
3. Symptoms:
   • Cutaneous: Itchy rashes, scaly skin.
   • Subcutaneous: Nodules, ulcers.

Table Summary

Feature	Cutaneous Mycoses	Subcutaneous Mycoses
Depth	Skin surface	Beneath the skin
Causes	Dermatophytes, yeasts	Trauma, deeper fungi
Symptoms	Rashes, scaly skin	Nodules, ulcers

Cutaneous and subcutaneous mycoses differ in their depth of infection and symptoms, requiring different approaches for treatment and management.