Types of Tinea

Ringworm and tinea mean one and the same condition. Tinea is a medical terminology for the commonly manifested ringworm disease. The term itself is derived from a Latin word to signify larva or a developing worm. Tinea or ringworm is basically a fungal infection, which is concentrated in the skin or external parts of the body.

Besides the common skin ringworm (manifested as circular patches), there are other types of tinea, which we will discuss in this story.

Tinea: An Overview

In earlier days, the itchy, nearly round skin spots were thought to be worm diseases. Hence, the name ringworm was given. But upon studies, it was found that these skin symptoms are a result of fungal infections. Majority of the cases are caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton.

They belong to a fungal group called dermatophytes (or fungus of the skin), hence this topical disease is also known as dermatophytosis. The fungus feeds on the keratin proteins of the upper skin, hair or nail layer, but is unable to penetrate and infect the deeper portions of the skin.

Different Types of Tinea

This fungal infection affects people of all age groups. Being a contagious disease, the chances of spreading tinea from an infected person to another healthy individual are very high. At one time, a person may have tinea infections in several body parts. Also, it may be transmitted to pet cats and dogs.

According to the site of infection, various tinea types are identified and named. Say for example, fungus infection of the foot is called tinea pedis, while tinea capitis refers to infection of the scalp. The following info sheds some light on tinea types along with the respective affected areas.

The word barbae in Latin means beard. As expected, this tinea type is most prevalent amongst adult males. Infection signs are manifested in various parts of the face and neck. Not only the skin in the area turns rough and forms crusts, but the hair follicles of the beard are infected, resulting in redness, swelling, inflammation and formation of fluid-filled pustules.

Scale formation in the scalp is not an unusual case for many people. This is because, the hair strands trap dead skin cells, impairing proper shedding of these unwanted cells.

However, if excess scaling is associated with hair loss in patches, inflammation and yellow crusts, then one should go for diagnosis of tinea capitis. It is most frequently reported amongst children, who fall in the age group of 3-7 years.

Most commonly seen amongst men (particularly sportspersons), it is also called jock itch. In this type of tinea, dermatophyte infection is exhibited in the perineum (areas between genital organ and anus) and the groin.

The affected skin area appears red, inflamed and feels very itchy, and resembles eczema condition. Wearing very tight clothing is an aggravating factor for tinea of the groin.

It is one of the most frequently manifested types of tinea in children. The alternative disease name 'ringworm of the body' clearly suggests that skin symptoms are not restricted to specific body parts.

The nearly circular, red skin patches appear smooth at the middle, and are surrounded by a rough margin. Over here, ringworm infection occurs in nearly all body parts, excluding the scalp, beard region and groin.

Commonly known as athlete's foot, tinea pedis is aggravated by frequent use of tight gym shoes. Its root causes are increased sweating of the feet, wearing wet socks and/or repetitive exposure of feet to excess moisture.

The skin between the adjacent toes look soft, white and peels off easily. If left untreated, it invites secondary bacterial infection, resulting in several discomfort symptoms.

Despite the name dermatophyte, it can affect nails too. And the term tinea unguium is used for infections concentrated in the fingernails and toenails. The infected nails become brittle, and the nail plate is discolored.

A disheartening part with this tinea infection is, the symptoms persist for a long period (in terms of several months and years). Oral antifungal therapy is required for treating this nail condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tinea

It is to be borne in mind that not all infections of the skin and nails are related to tinea or ringworm. There are many skin symptoms that mimic tinea, but are caused by other groups of pathogens. Hence, thorough examination of the manifested conditions, microscopic observation of skin surface, affected nails and scalp are followed for correct diagnosis.

If tinea is confirmed, therapeutic options are decided based on severity of symptoms, infection location, safety and a patient's response to the treatment.

Prescription medications formulated with antihistamine and antifungal active components are recommended for curing tinea infections. The patients are also expected to adopt proper hygiene along with skin care, nail care and hair care tips, as directed by the concerned physician. Complying with correct tinea treatment approaches is essential to prevent spreading of infections and also to get prompt results.