Tinea

What is Tinea?

Tinea is a common  fungal skin infection.  There are many types of tinea.  These infections are usually not serious but can be very uncomfortable.  They are caused by yeasts, nondermatophyte molds and dermatopheytes.  Most superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatopheytes, with the risk being 10 to 20% of having this fungal skin infection in your lifetime.

Types of tinea include:

• Tinea Barbae:  Tinea of the beard area.  This effects men who work with animals and is often accompanied by inflammation to ingrown hairs and bacterial folliculitis.  Oral therapy is often used as it works better than topical therapy, as the hair follicles do not respond well to topical applications.
• Tinea Capititis:  Tinea of the scalp. This is often referred to as ringworm of the scalp.  It will effect primary aged school children the most, and can cause scarring and permanent hair loss.
• Tinea Corporis:  Tinea of the body.  Referred commonly as ringworm of the body, this effects adults and children who live in hot areas.  There will be a circular plaque with a well defined border around it.  It can be asymptomatic, and can spread rapidly.
• Tinea Manuum:  Tinea of the hands.  Treatment options are usually the same as tinea pedis.   When the palms are infected, the feet are usually also infected.  One hand and both feet or both hands and one foot are common patterns to see infection on.
• Tinea Pedis:  Tinea of the feet or athlete’s foot.  This is the most common type of tinea.  Mostly effected are men between ages of 20 and 40, and is usually treated with topical therapy. A highly inflamed sterile vesicles can be formed in sites such as the arms, fingers, and chest.  They will subside once the infection is cleared up.
• Tinea Crusis:  Jock itch.  This is usually treated with topical therapy.  However, if the infection spreads to the buttocks or lower thighs, an oral therapy will most likely be used.
• Tinea Unguium:  Nail infection.  Effecting more adults than children, this nail infection increases with age, diabetes, ill fitting shoes and sports participation. The nail plate is often brittle, and it can be painful. Oral anti-fungal therapy is used to treat this,

Tinea Symptoms

Signs of tinea include blisters, cracking, splitting or peeling on the toes, yellow or white discoloration on the finger nails, spots on the scalp that have no hair, itching and stinging, and a red scaly rash that is shaped like a ring.

A doctor will be able to diagnose tinea just by looking at the skin.  If there is any doubt, a skin sample will be taken to view under a microscope for confirmation.

Tinea Treatment

To treat tinea, an anti-fungal cream can be applied.  Before applying the anti-fungal cream, the area should be washed well and then dried.  The cream can then be applied, for 2 weeks.  Even in the symptoms do disappear, the cream should still be applied.  This will prevent the infection from coming back.  Powders and sprays that are anti-fungal can also be used.

Tinea Prevention

There are many things that one can do to prevent tinea.  Bath daily and keep the skin clean.  Wear shoes that were made for the shower while bathing in public showers, such as at a campsite or a gym.  Wear socks that can trap moisture and change them daily, as well as changing your underwear daily. Do not share combs, socks, underwear, clothes, towels, and brushes.  Wear shoes that are well ventilated with small holes to keep the feet dry.  Do not wear the same shoes two days in a row, as the shoes need to air out to prevent moisture from building up and prevent fungus growth.

Reference sources:

1. Med Line Plus

2. Patient

3. Medicine Net