Tinea Infections

Tinea is the fungus that causes ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch. These infections are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable. You can get them by touching an infected person, from damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even from a pet.

Symptoms depend on the affected area of the body:

• Ringworm is a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin. A worm doesn't cause it.
• Scalp ringworm causes itchy, red patches on your head. It can leave bald spots. It usually affects children.
• Athlete's foot causes itching, burning and cracked skin between your toes.
• Jock itch causes an itchy, burning rash in your groin area.

Over-the-counter creams and powders will get rid of many tinea infections, particularly athlete's foot and jock itch. Other cases require prescription medicine.

List Of Tinea Infections on Wikipedia

fungus skin infections (tinea) include: *Athlete's foot (''Tinea pedis'') *Folliculitis (''Tinea barbae'') *Jock itch (''Tinea cruris'') *Ringworm of the body and nails (''Tinea corporis'') *Ringworm of the scalp (''Tinea capitis'') *Pityriasis versicolor (''Tinea versicolor'')   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Tinea Infections: Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm - Brochure from the American Academy of Family Physicians explaining tinea infections, symptoms, treatments and prevention techniques.

MedlinePlus: Tinea Infections - Directory of news, articles, and factsheets.

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