Tinea Infection: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Tinea Infection?

Tinea is the name given to a group of diseases caused by a fungus. These fungi thrive on the skin that is warm or moist. The infection is also called as Tinea versicolor, Pityriasis versicolor, Dermatophytosis, and Ringworm. The term ringworm is used due to its appearance but the infection is not caused due to any worm. The fungi attack skin, nails, and hair, where keratin is the major structural protein and causes infections such as
> Tinea capitis which is the infection of the scalp
> Tinea pedis which is the infection of the feet (athlete?s foot)
> Tinea cruris which is the infection of the groin region (jock itch)
> Tinea corporis which is the infection of the body surfaces
> Tinea barbae which is the infection of the beard. It develops on the top layer of the skin.

Recovery Time

The conditions resolve usually within two to four weeks.

Diagnosis

Following test methods can be used for effective diagnosis of the condition after the physical examination.

• Woods lamp test
• KOH exam
• Skin biopsy
• Skin culture

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1. What is Tinea infection?
Tinea infections, also known as ringworm infections or dermatophytosis (although this name is a misnomer) are fungal infections which are limited to the top layer of the skin of  groin, arms, and legs, however may occur on any part of the body. Though called as ringworm, its not caused by any worm infection.

Q2. What are its different types?
The fungi attack skin, nails, and hair, where keratin is the major structural protein and causes infections such as:

• Tinea capitis which is the infection of the scalp
• Tinea pedis which is the infection of the feet (athletes foot)
• Tinea cruris which is the infection of the groin region (jock itch)
• Tinea corporis which is the infection of the body surfaces
• Tinea barbae which is the infection of the beard

Q3. What are its symptoms?
Symptoms of tinea versicolor include small, flat, round or oval spots that may, over time, form patches. The spots occur on oily areas of skin on the upper chest, back, or upper arms or, less often, on the upper thighs, neck, or face.
The spots are flat and may be white, pink, red, tan, or brown, depending on your skin color. Each persons spots are usually just one color. The skin may itch, especially when its hot.

Q4. When shall one consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if following conditions are seen

• Bacterial infection due to scratching
• Swelling, warm skin
• Sudden worsening in redness of the patches
• Red streaking
• Pus, drainage, and fever