tinea fungal infections

Introduction

tinea infections of the skin are caused by a range of fungal dermatophytes
skin infections caused by yeasts such as Candida are not included under the tinea umbrella

Tinea type (site)	Common name / site	Typical causative organisms
Tinea capitis	Scalp ringworm (mainly 3-11 yr olds)	Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis, other Trichophyton and Microsporum spp.
Tinea barbae	Beard area in adults	Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes (often zoophilic)
Tinea faciei	Glabrous facial skin	Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum spp.
Tinea corporis	“Ringworm” of trunk/limbs	Trichophyton rubrum (most common), T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, other Trichophyton/Microsporum/Epidermophyton spp.
Tinea cruris	Jock itch, groin	Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes (interdigitale), Epidermophyton floccosum
Tinea pedis	Athlete’s foot	Trichophyton rubrum (dominant), T. interdigitale / T. mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum
Tinea manuum	Hands (often with tinea pedis)	Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum
Tinea unguium (onychomycosis/onychogryphosis)	Nails	Trichophyton rubrum (dominant), T. mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum; occasionally non‑dermatophyte moulds and Candida spp.
Tinea imbricata	Concentric scaling plaques (tropics)	Trichophyton concentricum
Tinea gladiatorum	Wrestlers, contact sports	Usually Trichophyton tonsurans
Tinea incognito	Steroid‑modified tinea at any site	Same species as underlying site (often T. rubrum)

keep groin clean, cool & dry
change underwear daily or in certain situations, consider not wearing underwear
- see wearing underwear - health benefits and adverse effects

keep affected areas clean, cool & dry
- dry skin thoroughly, wear clean 100% cotton socks & non-occlusive/breathable footwear
wear well-fitting shoes that reduce pressure or trauma to the foot
- choose shoes with wide to box, avoid narrow-toed shoes and high heels
protect feet by wearing thongs around swimming pools and communal bathing areas
keep toenails short and use a second clipper to cut the infected nail(s)
recognise and treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot) early to avoid spreading to the toenail
Rx toenail onychogryphosis early and fully

keep hands and fingernails dry and clean
avoid biting or picking at fingernails
wear cotton-lined rubber gloves if immersing hands in water frequently or for prolonged periods
avoid artificial nails or nail varnish on affected nails