👉 Descending infection, also known as suprapapillary or peripapillary spread, is a type of fungal infection where the pathogen moves from the initial site of entry to deeper tissues. This typically begins at the point of inoculation, such as through broken skin or mucous membranes, and spreads upward in a downward direction, often along the same pathways as the original entry route. In the case of dermatophytoses (fungal skin infections), this means the fungus can move from hair follicles or sweat glands to deeper layers of the skin, potentially causing more severe conditions like onychomycosis (fungal nail infection). The infection progresses as the pathogen exploits the body's blood vessels and lymphatic systems, leading to localized or systemic disease depending on the species and the host's immune response. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the infection from spreading further and causing complications.
