Trichophyton rubrum is Inactivated by Germicidal UV Light

What is Trichophyton rubrum?

Dermatophytesopen_in_new are fungi that infect the skin, hair, and nails of humans and animals. A key member of this group is Trichophyton rubrum, which causes the infection called tineaopen_in_new (commonly known as “ringworm”). Contrary to its name, this itchy, unpleasant condition is not caused by a long, cylindrical creature. Rather, the name derives from its tendency to form a ring on the skin which has the appearance of a worm touching end to endopen_in_new. While most ringworm infections are relatively mild, there is an emerging cropopen_in_new of ringworm variants that are more severe and resistant to conventional antifungal treatments.

Trichophyton rubrum likes to grow in warm, moist places. For this reason, it is found most often on the head, groin, and feet, causing ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitas), jock itch (tinea cruris), and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Onychomycosis is a nail infection resulting from the presence of Trichophyton rubrum.

Where is it Found?

Gym mats containing trichophyton rubrum — Contaminated Mats

What can it Infect?

Itchy scalp from trichophyton — Scalp (Ringworm)

Man with itchy groin from with trichophyton — Groin (Jock Itch)

Foot with Trichophyton fungus — Feet (Athlete’s Foot)

How Does it spread?

Pedicure treatment — Hair & Nail Treatments

Drying hands with towel — Sharing Towels

Preventing the Spread of Trichophyton rubrum

Barber shops, hair salonsopen_in_new, and nail salons are prime locations for potential ringworm infestation. Combs, brushes, scissors, and clippers can be easily infected and must be properly sanitized between customers. Spas and fitness facilities must regularly disinfect exercise mats and any areas where members walk barefoot. They should also be mindful that pool, footbath, and hot tub water can harbor this fungus. If you’re a nail salon customer, follow these recommendationsopen_in_new for the prevention of nail fungus, and ensure your establishment is following a proper disinfection protocol.

Get More Protection with UV Disinfection

In addition to the above preventative measures, germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) water disinfection be used at the source of footbaths, pools, and hot tubs. UV surface disinfection can inactivate Trichophyton rubrum on salon tools and exercise mats at spas, gyms, and physical therapy clinics. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.

Learn about these applications:

Salons & Spas

Fitness Facilities

Pools & Hot Tubs

View all UV-C Application Pages.

Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See UV-C dose below.

Applications that can spread trichophyton rubrum

Trichophyton rubrum: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation

Organism:	Alternate Name:	Type:	Disease:	*UV Dose:**
Trichophyton rubrum	T. rubrum	Fungus	Ringworm (tinea corporis)	Surfaces: 16.0 mJ/cm² Water: 40.1 mJ/cm²

* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.

Looking to inactivate another pathogen? View our complete list of UV-C doses for neutralizing many more bacteria, viruses, protozoa, mold, and yeast.

People at High Risk of Infection

Gym members and athletes are uniquely prone to developing this fungus on their feet due to their propensity to sweat. Unchecked perspiration can encourage the growth of T. rubrum. The infection can spread, not only between people, but between different locations on the same bodyopen_in_new. A contaminated towel can easily carry the infection from the feet to the groin.

Additionally, the following individuals are at high risk of Trichophyton rubrum infection:

Those who frequent nail salons
Barbershop customers
Those who use public swimming pools, whirlpool spas, and locker rooms
Those who participate in contact sports like wrestling
Children
Those with weakened immune systems

Trichophyton rubrum Symptoms

Most Trichophyton rubrum symptoms appear 4-14 daysopen_in_new following exposure to the fungus.They include the following:

Itching
Pain
Redness
Scaly, crusted rash
Ring-shaped lesions

Raised, red patches that can blister or ooze
Peeling skin between toes
Hair loss
Thickening, discoloration, and deformation of fingernails or toenails

Possible Complications from Trichophyton rubrum

Individuals infected with Trichophyton rubrum are at risk of the following complicationsopen_in_new:

Cellulitis
Dermatophytid, a secondary immune reaction with eruptions of pus
Granuloma, a tightly clustered group of inflamed cells
Asthma or eczema (for those with a hypersensitive allergic response or predisposition to those conditions)

Sources on Trichophyton rubrum

The above information can be found on the following pages.

Dosage Sources

Surfaces: “Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation.” Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Vol 126, No. 126021. August 20, 2021. Source Linkopen_in_new

Water: Gierke, Anna-Maria et al. “Fungal photoinactivation doses for UV radiation and visible light–a data collection.” AIMS Microbiology. Vol. 10, No. 3. 2024. Source Linkopen_in_new

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