Tinea Infections

Tinea infections are common fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails caused by dermatophytes — fungi that thrive on keratin (the protein in skin, hair, and nails). In India's humid climate, tinea infections are very common; in recent years, chronic and treatment-resistant tinea has become a particular challenge.

Common types

• Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) — itchy ring-shaped red patch with clearer centre
• Tinea cruris (jock itch) — groin area, more common in men, especially with sweating
• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) — between the toes, with itching, flaking, sometimes cracks
• Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) — in children, causes patchy hair loss with scaling
• Tinea unguium / onychomycosis — fungal nail infection
• Tinea barbae — in the beard area
• Tinea faciei — on the face

Pityriasis versicolor is a separate fungal infection (a different fungus family) — it causes discoloured patches, not typically ring-shaped.

Symptoms

• Itching, sometimes severe
• Red, ring-shaped, or scaly patches
• Cracks or peeling (athlete's foot)
• Hair loss with scaling (scalp ringworm)
• Thickened, discoloured nails (nail infection)
• Burning or stinging

How it spreads

• Person-to-person through direct contact
• Sharing towels, combs, bedding, clothes
• Contaminated floors — public showers, swimming pools, gyms
• From pets or farm animals
• Shared razors, brushes

Treatment

Treatment depends on the site:

• Topical antifungals — creams, powders, sprays; usually for several weeks
• Oral antifungals — for scalp, nail, or widespread stubborn infections
• Full treatment course is essential — stopping early is a common cause of persistent infection
• Treat all affected areas and close contacts — otherwise re-infection is quick

In India, widespread misuse of combination creams that mix antifungals with strong steroids has driven severe, recurrent, treatment-resistant tinea. Avoid such combination creams unless specifically prescribed; see a doctor for proper assessment.

Prevention

• Keep skin clean and dry; change sweaty clothes promptly
• Wear loose, cotton clothing; cotton underwear
• Don't share personal items — towels, combs, razors, clothes
• Wear flip-flops in public showers and pools
• Treat pet infections
• For recurrent infections, check and treat family members at the same time