Tinea corporis due to Trichophyton verrucosum in recessive, X-linked ichthyosis

An 18-year-old male agricultural worker with recessive X-linked ichthyosis was found to have ringworm infection with Trichophyton verrucosum, which resulted in well-demarcated clearing of the ichthyotic scaling in affected areas. However, rapid recurrence of the abnormal cornification was observed after treatment of the fungal infection. Some possible mechanisms regarding the effect of fungi on hyperkeratinization are discussed.