tinea
Table of Contents
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
Major clinical types and organisms
| 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) |
Prevention of common superficial fungal infections
tinea cruris
- keep groin clean, cool & dry
- change underwear daily or in certain situations, consider not wearing underwear
tinea pedis and toenail onychogryphosis
- 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
fingernail onychogryphosis
- 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
tinea capitis
- avoid sharing towels, hairbrushes, combs and hats
- treat affected contacts and animals
- disinfect bedding and hair care items
references
tinea.txt · Last modified: 2026/02/15 10:51 by gary1