Tinea is a contagious fungal skin infection. 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:
The symptoms can include:
Overheating and perspiration contribute to tinea infections. Suggestions to avoid tinea infection include:
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:
Skin tags are common, acquired benign skin-colored growths that resemble a small, soft balloon suspended on a slender stalk
Warts are small growths on the skin that normally don’t cause pain. Some warts itch and may hurt, especially if they’re on your feet
Mole removals, which is different than mole biopsy, is designed to completely remove moles from the skin in a way that minimizes scarring