Tinea

The most commonly affected areas include the feet, groin, scalp and beneath the breasts. Tinea can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes or floors. Tinea is also known as ringworm, which is a misleading name as no worm is involved.

All fungi need warm, moist environments and tinea is no exception. This is why the hottest, most sweat-prone areas of the body are the most likely areas for a tinea infection to occur. Communal showers and locker rooms are typical places where infection may be spread.

Treatment includes antifungal medication, antiperspirants and good hygiene

Tinea infections are known by specific names, depending on the part of the body that is affected.

The most common types of tinea include: , known as tinea unguium

The symptoms can include: Bald spots on the scalp.

Overheating and perspiration contribute to tinea infections

Suggestions to avoid tinea infection include:

• After washing dry the skin thoroughly particularly between the toes
• within skin folds. Expose the skin to the air as much as possible

Wear cotton socks instead of synthetics

Wear thongs to swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms and other communal areas.

Tinea infections respond well to antifungal creams

Some infections are harder to shift and might also require an antifungal medication in the form of a tablet.

It is important to remember that tinea is contagious

Suggestions on how to prevent the spread of infection to others include: Treat tinea infections with antifungal cream.

Wash your hands after touching infected areas

Do not share towels

Do not walk around barefoot if you have tinea pedis (tinea of the feet). Clean the shower, bath and bathroom floor after use. Tinea is a contagious fungal skin Types of tinea Athlete’s foot – tinea of the foot, known as tinea pedis Jock itch – tinea of the groin, known as tinea cruris Ringworm of the scalp – tinea of the head, known as tinea capitis (mainly affects children) Ringworm of the body – tinea of the body, known as tinea corporis Nail infection (onychomycosis) – tinea of the toe or finger nails Symptoms of tinea Itching and stinging Red scaly rash that is shaped like a ring (annular) Cracking, splitting and peeling in the toe web spaces Blisters Yellow or white discoloration of the nails How to avoid tinea infection Use antiperspirants to control excessive perspiration (sweating) Treating a tinea infection Preventing the spread of tinea Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your pharmacist Dermatologist American College of Dermatologists Infectious diseases , Department of Health Michigan.

Key Points

• most commonly affected areas include the feet, groin, scalp and beneath the breasts
• Treatment includes antifungal medication, antiperspirants and good hygiene
• most common types of tinea include: , known as tinea unguium
• symptoms can include: Bald spots on the scalp
• important to remember that tinea is contagious