The association of perennial rhinitis with Trichophyton infection

Trichophyton was recently reported to be the cause of respiratory allergy in patients with severe bronchial asthma. We describe eight patients with perennial rhinitis in combination with skin or toe-nail infection, in whom Type I hypersensitivity reaction to Trichophyton was confirmed by skin test, RAST and nasal provocation. When treated with oral fungicidal therapy, there was significant improvement in both their skin and nasal symptoms. Local therapy produced only a mild, transient improvement. We emphasize the need for thorough evaluations in patients with respiratory allergies and negative routine skin tests.