Tinea Infections


What is tinea?

Tinea is a fungus that can grow on your skin, hair or nails. As it grows, it spreads out in a circle, leaving normal-looking skin in the middle. This makes it look like a ring. At the edge of the ring, the skin is lifted up by the irritation and looks red and scaly. To some people, the infection looks like a worm is under the skin. Because of the way it looks, tinea infection is often called "ringworm." However, there really isn’t a worm under the skin.


What areas of the body are affected by tinea infections?

Tinea infections are named for the part of the body they infect. Tinea corporis is a fungal infection of the skin on the body. ("Corporis" is the Latin word for body.) If you have this infection, you may see small, red spots that grow into large rings almost anywhere on your arms, legs or chest. The rash may also itch.

Tinea pedis is usually called "athlete’s foot." ("Pedis" is the Latin word for foot.) The moist skin between your toes is a perfect place for a fungus to grow. The skin may become itchy and red, with blisters and cracking of the skin. The infection may also spread to the toenails. (This is called tinea unguium — "unguium" comes from the Latin word for nail.) Here it causes the toenails to become thick and crumbly. It can also spread to your hands and fingernails.

When a fungus grows in the moist, warm area of the groin, the rash is called tinea cruris. ("Cruris" comes from the Latin word for for leg.) The common name for this infection is "jock itch." The rash can be itchy and painful. Tinea cruris generally occurs in men, especially if they often wear athletic equipment.

Tinea capitis, which is called "ringworm," causes itchy, red areas, usually on the head. ("Capitis" comes from the Latin for head.) The hair is destroyed, leaving bald patches. This tinea infection is most common in children.

Causes & Risk Factors

How did I get a fungal infection?


Diagnosis & Tests

How do I know if I have a fungal infection?




How do I get rid of a tinea infection?

Once your doctor decides that you have a tinea infection, antifungal medicine can be used to treat it. You may only need to put an antifungal cream on the rash for a few weeks. This is especially true for jock itch.

It can be harder to get rid of fungal infections on other parts of the body. Sometimes you have to take an antifungal medicine by mouth. This medicine usually has to be taken for a long time, maybe even for months. Irritated skin takes time to heal. New hair or nails will have to grow back.

Some medicines can have unpleasant effects on the rest of your body, especially if you’re also taking other medicines. There are some newer medicines that seem to work better with fewer side effects. Talk with your doctor about which medicine is right for you.


Can tinea cause serious illness?

A fungus rarely spreads below the surface of the body to cause serious illness. Your body usually prevents this. However, people who have weak immune systems, such as people who have HIV or AIDS, may have a hard time getting rid of a fungal infection.

Tinea infections usually don’t leave scars after the fungus is gone. Sometimes, people don’t even realize they have a fungal infection and get better without any treatment.


What can I do to prevent tinea infections?





  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Instead, wear flip-flops, sandals or water shoes.

  • Don’t wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm weather. It will make you sweat more, which can encourage the growth of fungal infections.


  • Don’t let other people use your towels or wear your clothing. Don’t borrow these items from others.

  • Check your pets for areas of hair loss. Ask your veterinarian to check them, also. It’s important to check pets carefully, because if you don’t find out whether they’re causing your fungal infection, you may get it again from them, even after treatment.

  • Make sure shared exercise equipment (such as a treadmill at your gym) is clean before you use it.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • How did I get the infection?

  • What is the best treatment for me?

  • Will I have to use an ointment?

  • How can I avoid getting more tinea infections?

  • My child has to take showers after gym class. How can I keep him/her from getting tinea infections?

  • If I have cracks in my skin, should I use a topical antbiotic ointment?

  • Once I’m treated for ringworm, will my hair grow back?

  • I have ringworm. Should I wash my sheets and towels every day?


  • Diagnosis and Management of Common Tinea Infections by SL Noble, Pharm.D., RC Forbes, M.D. and PL Stamm, Pharm.D.( 07/01/98, http://www.aafp.org/afp/980700ap/noble.html)