Tinea

What is tinea?

Tinea is a fungal disease of the skin that is caused by a number of different organisms.

The most common forms of tinea are Tinea Pedis (tinea of the feet, sometimes called Athlete’s Foot), Tinea Corposis (tinea of the body, sometimes called Ringworm) and Tinea Cruris (tinea of the groin, sometimes called Jock Itch).

 

Tinea of the Feet - Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Tinea of the feet is very common in adults, and can present as torn, moist-looking skin between the toes (particularly between the little toe and the adjacent toe), small blisters on the feet, or scaling across the sole of the foot.

Tinea infections grow in warm, moist environments, meaning they are often contracted from contact with showers, baths or wet floors in areas commonly used by a number of people (eg. Hotels or motels, gyms, pools). Infection with tinea pedis is more common during the summer months or in warm climates.

Tinea pedis infection can be transferred to shoes, particularly enclosed shoes, and reinfection from shoes can occur.

For tinea of the feet, use our Tinea Cream.

 

Tinea of the Body (Tinea Corpus)

Tinea of the body (Tinea Corporis) is often called Ringworm due to its ring-like appearance (a rounded red lesion with a clear center).

Transmission of Tinea Corporis (ringworm) may occur when you come into direct contact with infected animals (dogs and cats are often carriers), or contaminated clothing and furniture.

Like many other fungal skin infections, warmth and humidity create an optimal growth environment for this fungal infection.Therefore, tropical and subtropical regions have higher incidence of tinea corporis (ringworm).

 For tinea of the body, use our Tinea Cream.

 

Tinea of the Groin - Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

Like other tinea infections, tinea cruris (otherwise known as Jock Itch) thrives in a warm, moist environment.

Tinea Cruris can be triggered by ongoing friction from clothes along with ongoing wetness around the groin area (for example, from sweating)

Tinea Cruris can be contracted from other people if you come in direct skin to skin contact with an infected person or even through simply touching their contaminated unwashed clothing.

For tinea of the groin, use our Tinea Cream.