Tinea pubogenitalis is a rare dermatophyte infection involving the genital and pubic areas and is extremely rarely reported in women. More recently, Trichophyton mentagrophytes internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotype VII (TMVII) has emerged as the leading cause of inflammatory presentations of tinea pubogenitalis. Trichophyton indotineae is another emerging and difficult-to-treat organism that typically causes tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and tinea faciei, but cases of tinea pubogenitalis have also been reported. Rarer culprits of tinea pubogenitalis include other T mentagrophytes variants and Epidermophyton floccosum.

Tinea pubogenitalis has been reported globally. Risk factors may include tropical climate, hygiene, bathing practices, history of steroid use, the use of fitness clubs, and genital shaving or waxing. Underlying immunosuppression, diabetes, or atopic dermatitis are further risk factors. Sexual transmission is the leading cause of TMVII infection. Reports of TMVII infection include travelers who had contact with sex workers in Southeast Asia and cases among men who have sex with men (MSM), in particular in France, Germany, Italy, the United States, and probable cases in Austria. Cases of sexual transmission of T indotineae and the other causative species have also been reported.

Concomitant tinea cruris, tinea corporis (including tinea glutealis), and tinea faciei may be seen with TMVII infection.

Infections in women and heterosexual individuals are documented and have been regarded as an important and previously underappreciated means of transmission.