What are the Common Types of Tineas, and How to Treat Them?

Also termed ringworm, tinea is a fungal infection, usually resulting from, poor hygiene, malnourishment,, and contact with a tinea-infected person. In addition, factors like using common bathrooms and a warm climate lead to tinea.

The infection features red ring-shaped patches on the skin. It affects the body’s various parts, like nails, feet, genitals, etc. But it can occur on any part of the body including the face. moist. There are various types of tineas based on the body part they affect. Let’s look at them and look at skin fungus tinea treatment.

How Many Types of Tineas are There?

Many patients ask us what are the three types of tinea infections. Actually, there aren’t three but five common tinea infection types. Let’s look at the list of types of tinea infections and the potential treatment for each.

• Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

Jock itch occurs in the groin and treating it could be a bit difficult. It mostly occurs in warm weather and has men at a higher risk of developing it. The common symptoms of jock itch include itching and burning. Include in the groin area, itching, and red ring-like patches in the inner thighs and groin.

Jock itch treatment may include antifungal medicine by mouth or antifungal cream, as deemed appropriate by the dermatologist, based on their diagnosis.

• Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

This is another of the most common types of tinea infections. It affects the feet and toes and could be the result of sweating, not drying the feet after bathing or swimming in warm weather, and wearing tight shoes or socks.

The types of tinea pedis infections include chronic hyperkeratotic, chronic intertriginous, a Some common symptoms include foot scaling, itchy and burning rash on the feet, and will have a long history of infection blisters.

Athletes’ feet can be treated with an antifungal cream or antifungal medicine taken internally, based on the dermatologist’s prescription.

• Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)

It occurs on the head and is a rare occurrence in adults. Although yes, one must not forget that it is contagious. 

Scalp ringworm symptoms include itching, red scaly rash on the scalp, enlarged nymph modes, and hair loss leading to patch hair loss on the scalp.

Its treatment includes consuming antifungal medicine for a few weeks or months. Besides, dermatologists may prescribe a specialized shampoo to kill the fungus. But the shampoo should be used with oral medicine.

• Body Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

This can occur anywhere on the body or face, although it is more common in skin folds. People living in geographies with warm climates are vulnerable to this type of infection. They experience symptoms like itching and red ring-shaped patches with scaly and raised edges. Body ringworm can be treated with an antifungal cream or orally-administered medicine.

• Nail Infection (Tinea Unguium)

As the name suggests, it infects toenails and, in some cases, fingernails. This type of infection causes deformed, thickened, and discolored nails instead of a rash. Common symptoms include yellow color to the nails and thickened nail ends with a history of long-term infection.

Per the diagnosis and patient’s condition, dermatologists may prescribe antifungal medicine for a few weeks or months and prescribe medicated nail lacquers, antifungal cream, and orally consumed antifungal medicine.

Do you want to know more, or are you looking for a specific treatment for the various types of tinea infections? Visit Clear Skin. Our dermatologists will accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the right course of treatment. Visit to book an appointment with our experts.