What is tinea?
Tinea is the name given to a group of skin diseases caused by a fungus. Sometimes it’s also referred to as ringworm but is usually considered a synonym. Several types of tinea exist and these include ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. These infections are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable. You can get them by touching an infected person, from damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even from a pet. The tinea frequently affects the scalp (tinea capitis), groin (tinea cruris, or jock itch), feet (tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot), or nails (tinea unguium, or onychomycosis). Tinea is normally seen in children but may also affect all age groups.
Ringworm is the most term associated with tinea, the infecting agent is a fungus that thrives in warm, moist areas and is most likely to occur with frequent wetness from perspiration or as a complication of minor injuries to your nails, scalp or skin. Tinea is highly contagious through skin to skin to getting in contact with contaminated items.
Symptoms of tinea
These may include raised, red, scaly patches with sharply defined edges that itch and blister, usually with oozing of fluid. Sometimes the skin near ringworm becomes lighter or darker, and if the scalp or beard is infected, you will usually see bald patches. Infected nails became thick, discolored, and sometimes brittle.
What is the cause of tinea ringworm?
The body normally has many bacteria and fungi living in it, infact may of these bacteria and fungi are beneficial to our body. However when the bacteria and fungi over multiply rapidly, it might become an infections. Tinea is cause by a fungal known as dermatophytes. Prolonged moistness on the body, such as sweat, creates an ideal environment for this overpopulation. You can also catch tinea by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
How tinea and ringworm is treated
Tinea is mostly treated with over the counter antifungal gel, spray or creams. However for a resistant or persistent infection, prescription medicaringtions may be needed. Antibiotics may also be required for aggravated infections.
Finally you can reduce the chances of getting infected by tinea by taking certain precautions. Do not share personal care items, change clothes and bed linen frequently, clean surfaces with sanitizing agent or wipes, use paper towels after hand washing in both kitchen and bath areas, or using cloth towels only once while you are still infected and also see your dermatologist for medical advice if symptoms persists.
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