Tinea is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that invade and grow in dead keratin; commonly referred to as ‘ringworm’

Aetiology

• Dermatophyte fungus
• Different types of dermatophytes are associated with tinea infections in different body locations:
  • Tinea barbae (beard)
  • Tinea capitis (head)
  • Tinea corporis (body)
  • Tinea cruris (groin)
  • Tinea faciei (face)
  • Tinea manuum (hand)
  • Tinea pedis (foot) - ‘athlete’s foot’
  • Tinea unguium (nail)

Clinical features

• The clinical features of tinea include a red, scaly patch that often has an area of central clearing, giving it a ring-like appearance
• The affected area may be itchy

Investigations

• Skin scrapings: culture

Management

• Topical antifungals e.g. clotrimazole and ketoconazole
• For tinea capitis and onychomycosis (infection of the nail with onycholysis), systemic agents such as terbinafine or itraconazole are recommended
  • LFTs should be checked before starting treatment and then every 4-6 weeks during treatment as oral anti-fungals can cause jaundice, cholestasis, and hepatitis