Tinea
Tinea is a group of infections caused by dermatophyte fungi that use keratin in skin, hair or nails. Names such as tinea pedis or capitis describe the body site, which changes treatment.
Key takeaways
- Ring-shaped scale, toe-web peeling, groin rash, scalp hair loss and thick nails represent different clinical patterns, not one uniform infection.
- Eczema, psoriasis, yeast and bacterial disease can resemble tinea; scraping, culture or nail sampling may prevent unnecessary treatment.
- Topical therapy suits many limited skin infections, while scalp, nail or extensive disease may need oral treatment and monitoring.
Catalogue matches do not confirm dermatophyte infection or identify a safe antifungal regimen.
Why does the body site matter?
Cream can reach surface skin but not an infected hair shaft or the full nail plate. Species and site also influence medicine response. Steroid-modified tinea may lose its classic border and spread quietly.
What should be checked before oral treatment?
Confirmation is especially useful for nails or persistent disease. Itraconazole has selected uses but important liver, heart and interaction risks. Pregnancy and other medicines affect suitability; see antifungals.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt care for scalp inflammation with hair loss, facial or eye involvement, fever, rapidly spreading pain or redness, immune suppression or a severe treatment reaction.