Dermatophytosis is an infectious disease involving the superficial lymphatic vessels of the dermis, the main causative organism being group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Predisposing factors are surgical wounds or any inflammation of the skin of the nostrils, external auditory canal, below the earlobe, anus, penis, and fissures between the toes, especially those with chancroid or ulcers providing a pathway for the causative organism to invade. Mild abrasions or scratching, injuries outside the head, unclean cord ligation, vaccinations, and chronic calf ulcers may cause the disease. The causative organism may be latent in the lymphatic vessels and cause recurrence. The incubation period is 2 to 5 days. The prodromal symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, malaise and nausea. Erythema appears a few hours to a day later and is progressively enlarged and well-defined. The affected area is dermatologically warm and tense with hard nodules and non-depressed edema. Tenderness and burning pain are present in the affected area, and enlarged proximal lymph nodes with or without lymphadenitis are common. Pustules, blisters, or small areas of hemorrhagic necrosis may also be present. It is more common on the lower legs and face. Recurrence of denudation can cause persistent local lymphedema with the end result being permanent hypertrophic fibrosis called chronic streptococcal lymphedema. Breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node dissection are also prone to recurrence of dermatophytosis due to lymphatic stagnation. Skin lesions that can lead to the entry of pathogenic bacteria such as scratching, breakage or trauma of eczema should be actively sought and treated once these skin lesions are identified. The most common, easily overlooked and untreated susceptibility factor is tinea pedis, which can be a gateway for bacteria to enter the skin. Patients should be instructed not to pick their nose.