Understanding Tinea Infections

Jock Itch, Ringworm, Athlete's Foot no I'm not writing about previous winners of the Derby! What the three have in common is that they are "tinea infections". Still no clearer?

A tinea infection is caused by a fungus; they can grow on your hair, your nails or your skin. This kind of infection spreads out radially in a circle as it develops leaving a little patch of unaffected skin in the centre that looks like a ring. Around the edge of the circle the skin lifts a little and it looks angry and scaly. As the skin lifts, it can look as if there is a worm underneath and it is for this reason that such infections are often called "ringworm".

However, there are three distinct types of tinea infection; all originate fro the same fungus but appear on different parts of the body and have different names as a result.

Tinea corporis is the name given to the infection when found on the main parts of the body the arms, the trunk, the legs.

When the infection affects the feet especially between the toes it is known as tinea pedis more commonly "athlete's foot".

When the infection is found in the groin it takes the name tinea cruris (cruris is the Latin word for leg) more commonly known as "jock itch"; this type of tinea infection is common among male athlete's particularly those whose sport requires them to wear tight-fitting protective wear on that part of their person. Look out girls date a jock, catch a fungal infection!

Finally, tinea capitis which affects the head (capita being the Latin for head) more commonly known as ringworm.

Tinea infections can be caught in a couple of ways; the most common is through touching someone who already has it. But how did they get it? Another way may be from walking barefoot on damp surfaces in locker rooms or at public swimming pools is most likely.

Pets can be another source of infection. Yes, I'm sorry to say that it is entirely possible that your tinea infection could have come from Tiddles or Barney. If your cat or dog has patches of fur missing, get them checked out to be on the safe side.

Only your doctor can confirm for sure whether what you have is a tinea infection as other skin conditions can look similar. You really should get the doctor to find out because the treatment for tinea differs to that for other skin conditions. The doctor will be able to tell from taking a small sample of skin that is affected and taking a close look under the microscope.

Tinea cruris is accepted to be the easiest to remedy and a cream is usually prescribed which works quickly. The others are more difficult to solve and creams may be prescribed in combination with an oral treatment.

There is no doubt that these infections can be quite painful and can certainly cause the sufferer some distress not least because when visible the affected areas can look quite sore and unsightly. However, there are some steps one can take to avoid a re-appearance or to prevent catching them to start with.

- Wear flip flops or sandals in public pools or locker rooms
- Take your shoes off when at home to allow your feet to breath
- Change your socks and underwear daily
- Avoid wearing thick clothes in warm weather a fungus thrives in warm damp parts of the body
- Don't share hairbrushes or shoes or towels
- Don't keep sports shoes too long
- Dry your feet carefully when you come out of the shower or pool.

Remember how to recognize the signs and how to prevent an occurrence to make life happier and healthier