Tinea (Dermatophyte) Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Tinea, or ringworm, is a group of common skin infections caused by fungi known as dermatophytes that feed on keratin in the outer dead layer of the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its English name ringworm, it has nothing to do with worms at all and is named so for its ring shape.

Tinea is named by its location on the body: tinea of the body appears as an itchy red ring with a scaly edge and a lighter center; tinea of the foot (athlete's foot) affects between the toes causing itching and cracking; tinea of the scalp is common in children and may cause localized hair loss; and nail fungus causes thickening and discoloration. The infection spreads easily through direct contact with infected skin, animals, or contaminated surfaces and items such as pool floors and shared shoes.

These fungi grow and thrive in warm, moist environments, so they are linked to sweating, poor ventilation, and humidity. Most tinea cases are mild and effectively treated with topical antifungals (creams), while scalp and nail infections need oral antifungals by prescription for a longer period. Prevention remains important through keeping the skin dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and treating infected pets, especially since the infection may recur if its source is not treated.

• An itchy red ring patch with a scaly edge (body tinea).
• Itching, cracking, and scaling between the toes (athlete's foot).
• Localized hair loss with scaling (scalp tinea).
• Thickening and discoloration of the nails (nail fungus).

• Infection with dermatophyte fungi.
• Spread through direct contact with infected skin, animals, or contaminated surfaces.
• A warm, moist environment and sweating.

• Clinical diagnosis from the characteristic appearance of the lesion.
• Scraping a sample and examining it microscopically or a fungal culture when needed.

Antifungals

• Antifungal creams for simple skin cases for several weeks.
• Oral antifungals by prescription for scalp and nail fungus and extensive cases.

Supportive care

• Keeping the area dry and avoiding scratching and sharing items.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting a dermatologist.

• Spread of infection to other areas or to other people.
• Secondary bacterial infection from scratching.
• Recurrence if the sources are not treated.

• Keeping the skin dry, especially between the toes and in folds.
• Not sharing towels, shoes, and personal items.
• Wearing footwear in pools and public baths and treating infected animals.