Final answer:
Dermatophytes are cutaneous fungi that cause infection of the skin, hair, and nails. Examples of these infections include athlete's foot and jock itch. Treatment typically involves topical creams and powders or prescription oral medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cutaneous fungi that cause infection of the skin, hair, and nails are called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that secrete extracellular enzymes to break down keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and nails.
These fungi are often misnamed as "ringworms" because they cause a red ring on the skin. Examples of cutaneous fungal infections caused by dermatophytes include athlete's foot, jock itch, and nail infections.
Treatment for these infections usually involves topical creams and powders, although more persistent cases may require prescription oral medications.