Historical Aspects of Dermatomycoses

In the historical review of dermatomycoses, it was noted that physicians have recognized superficial fungal infections for centuries, but significant advancements in understanding and treating these infections did not occur until the mid-19th century. Key figures in the field included Remak, who discovered the fungal nature of favus in 1837; Berg, who identified oral candidosis in 1841; and Wilkinson, who described vaginal candidosis in 1849. Tinea versicolor was clinically described in 1846 and its cause was found in 1853. White piedra and tinea nigra were reported in 1856 and 1891, respectively. Sabouraud's publication "Les Tiegnes" in 1910, the description of black piedra by Horta in 1911, and the identification of the sexual state of Microsporum gypseum by Nannizzi in 1927 were also significant milestones. Emmons established the current classification of dermatophytes in 1934, and the taxonomy of yeast fungi was detailed by Lodder and Kreger-van Rij in 1952. A major therapeutic breakthrough occurred in 1958 when Gentles successfully treated tinea capitis with griseofulvin, preventing the permanent hair loss that was a common consequence of the previously used thallium treatment.