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What is tinea infection?Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin. Tinea is also known as ringworm. This is because it can cause red patches on the skin in the shape of rings. But it’s not caused by worms. It’s caused by different types of fungi. Tinea infection can affect any part of the body. Tinea infections of the feet, nails, and genital area are not often called ringworm. This is because the red patches may not look like rings. But it most often occurs in moist areas of the body and around hair. The fungus can be spread from person to person. Different types of fungal (tinea) infections are named for where they occur on the body. The most common types are:
What causes tinea infection?The fungus that causes tinea is very common all over the world, including the U.S. It’s very contagious. The fungus is spread through direct contact with:
It can take days or up to 2 weeks before you develop the infection after being in contact with the fungus. The fungi that cause ringworm can live for a long time on objects. Because of this, you may not know the exact source. Who is at risk for tinea infection?You are more at risk for tinea infection if you:
What are the symptoms of tinea infection?Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each person. Symptoms of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) may include:
Symptoms of jock itch (tinea cruris) may include:
Symptoms of scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) may include:
Symptoms of nail infection (tinea unguium, onychomycosis) may include:
Symptoms of body ringworm (tinea corporis) may include:
The symptoms of tinea infection can be like other health conditions. Psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, and atopic dermatitis all look similar. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is tinea infection diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health history. They will give you a physical exam. The physical exam will include looking closely at your skin or nails. You may also have tests, such as:
How is tinea infection treated?Tinea may be hard to cure. Scalp ringworm and nail infection are hardest to treat. The length of the treatment depends on the location of the tinea. Fungi can live for a long time on the skin. Because of this, tinea infection is hard to cure and can come back easily. Treatment may need to be repeated. Treatment of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) may include:
Treatment of jock itch (tinea cruris) may include:
Treatment of scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) may include:
Treatment of nail infection (tinea unguium) may include:
During treatment:
What are possible complications of tinea infection?Tinea of the scalp can also develop into a kerion. This is a large, painful, swollen sore over the area of the tinea infection. This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the tinea. The lymph nodes in your neck may be swollen and sore. You may also have a rash on another part of your body. A kerion may be treated with steroid medicine to help reduce inflammation and swelling. In some cases, a tinea infection can lead to an infection by bacteria. This may be treated with antibiotics. Can tinea infection be prevented?Some types of tinea infection can be prevented if you:
When should I call my healthcare provider?Call the healthcare provider if:
Key points about tinea infection
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? What is tinea corporis and tinea cruris?Both tinea corporis, also referred to as 'ringworm' and tinea cruris or 'jock itch' are conditions frequently seen by primary care doctors and dermatologists. The diagnosis can be made on clinical appearance and can be confirmed by microscopy or culture.
Which disease is caused by tinea capitis?Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It usually causes itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. Ringworm gets its name because of its circular appearance. No worm is involved.
What is tinea corporis associated with?Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved.
What fungus causes tinea capitis or ringworm infection of the scalp?Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm or herpes tonsurans infection, is a fungal infection of the scalp hair. It is caused primarily by the dermatophyte species Microsporum and Trichophyton. The fungi can penetrate the hair follicle's outer root sheath and ultimately may invade the hair shaft.
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