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Tinea

"Tinea" refers to a skin infection with a dermatophyte (ringworm) fungus.

Depending on which part of the body is affected, it is given a specific name.

• Tinea barbae (beard)
• Tinea capitis (head)
• Tinea corporis (body)
• Tinea cruris (groin)
• Tinea faciei (face)
• Tinea manuum (hand)
• Tinea pedis (foot)
• Tinea unguium (nail)

Sometimes, the name gives a different meaning.

• Tinea versicolor is more accurately called pityriasis versicolor. This is a common yeast infection on the trunk.
• Tinea incognita (often spelled incognito) refers to a tinea infection in which the clinical appearance has changed because of inappropriate treatment.
• Tinea nigra is a mould infection (not a dermatophyte). It affects the palms or soles, which appear brown (on white skin) or black (on dark skin).

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Related information

 

On DermNet NZ

• Introduction to fungal infections
• Mycology of dermatophytes
• Laboratory tests for fungal infections
• Treatment of fungal infections
• Kerion

Other websites

• Tinea Infections– Medline Plus
• Medscape Reference has several chapters about tinea
• Fungal Guide.ca – SkinCareGuide.com
• Patient information: Ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch (The Basics) – UpToDate (for subscribers)
• Patient information: Ringworm (including athlete's foot and jock itch) (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate (for subscribers)

Books about the skin

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