Tinea

Patient Information: Understanding Tinea

What is Tinea?

Tinea, also known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin caused by various species of fungi called dermatophytes. It is a common condition that can affect different areas of the body, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, scaling, and sometimes blistering. Tinea thrives in warm, moist environments and can be easily spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

Types of Tinea:

1. Tinea Corporis (Ringworm of the Body): This type of tinea affects the skin on the body, typically presenting as circular or ring-shaped rashes with raised borders and clear centers.
2. Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot): Tinea pedis affects the feet, particularly between the toes and on the soles. It can cause itching, redness, scaling, and sometimes blisters.
3. Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch): Tinea cruris affects the groin area and inner thighs, causing redness, itching, and sometimes a rash with well-defined borders.
4. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): Tinea capitis affects the scalp and hair follicles, leading to hair loss, scaling, and sometimes pus-filled lesions or black dots on the scalp.

Treatment Options for Tinea:

1. Topical Antifungal Creams: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antifungal creams, gels, or sprays containing ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine can effectively treat most cases of tinea. Apply the medication to the affected area(s) as directed for the recommended duration.

eg. Lamisil cream, Resolve plus cream twice a day to affected skin.

1. Oral Antifungal Medications: In some cases of severe or widespread tinea, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed by your dermatologist. These medications, such as terbinafine, itraconazole or fluconazole, work from within to eradicate the fungal infection.
2. Antifungal Shampoos: For tinea capitis, medicated shampoos containing antifungal ingredients such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide may be recommended. Use the shampoo as directed by your dermatologist to help eliminate the fungal infection from the scalp.
3. Keep the Area Dry and Clean: Keep the affected area(s) clean and dry to prevent the growth and spread of the fungus. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, or shoes with others, as this can facilitate the transmission of tinea. Use a hairdryer to dry between toes. Keep skin folds dry.
4. Avoid Tight, Occlusive Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and change out of sweaty or damp clothing promptly to create an environment less favorable for fungal growth.
5. Use Antifungal Powders or Sprays: Apply antifungal powders or sprays to susceptible areas, such as the feet or groin, to help keep the skin dry and prevent reinfection.
6. Practice Good Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Wear clean socks made of breathable material such as wool and cotton and alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to air out in between wears.
7. Dry skin: Dry well in-between toes and skin folds using a hair dryer on cold. Use a seperate towel to dry the feet to avoid spreading the tinea onto the body.
8. Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas: Wear sandals or protective footwear in communal areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and gym showers to reduce the risk of picking up fungal infections.
9. Bleach floors: Clean and bleach communal wet areas such as bathrooms regularly.

How to prevent reinfection

1. Keep skin folds dry. Use a hair dryer to dry in-between toes after each shower.
2. Change socks regularly especially in summer.
3. Change shoes regularly to allow them to dry completely in between wears.
4. Apply Whitfields Ointment twice a week to the entire foot, including in between the toes.

Conclusion:

Tinea is a common fungal infection of the skin that can affect various areas of the body, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, and scaling. Treatment options for tinea include topical antifungal creams, oral antifungal medications, and antifungal shampoos, depending on the type and severity of the infection. To prevent further spread of tinea, it’s essential to keep the affected area(s) clean and dry, practice good hygiene, and avoid sharing personal items with others.