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UNIVERSITY STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES • Fact Sheet
TINEA (FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS)
WHAT IS TINEA?
Tinea is a fungus that can grow on your skin, hair, or nails. Humans and fungi usually co-exist in
harmony. Only a few fungi, known as dermatophytes cause skin problems. These fungi live on the outer
layers of the skin and thrive in warm, moist environments. Common tinea infections include:
Tinea corporis (of the body)
Tinea cruris (of the groin)
Tinea capitis (of the scalp)
Tinea pedis (of the foot)
Tinea barbae (of the beard)
Onychomycosis (of the nail)
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
Tinea is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person, object (vector), or animal.
Vectors for tinea capitis include hats, combs, brushes, etc.
Vectors for tinea pedis include damp surfaces found in public showers, swimming pool facilities,
and locker rooms.
Tinea corporis can be transmitted by an infected pet; if you have a cat or dog, look for a rash or
bald patches in the fur. Cattle, goats, pigs, and horses can also be sources.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
A fungal infection is often diagnosed simply by its appearance.
If the diagnosis is unclear, your medical provider may take a superficial skin scraping to examine
under the microscope.
On rare occasions, a skin, hair, or nail sample will be sent to the lab to see if fungus will grow in
a special medium. Because fungus grows slowly, it takes several days for this test to come
back.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Antifungal creams are available over-the-counter or with a prescription.
Antifungal creams are applied twice daily for a couple of weeks, sometimes longer.
It is important to continue treatment for 7-10 days after symptoms disappear to ensure a complete
cure.
Return to your healthcare provider if you are not experiencing gradual improvement while using
your medication and if any signs or symptoms of infection occur (such as swelling, increased
redness, pain, fever, and drainage).
Antifungal medications taken by mouth may be recommended in selected cases. These include:
Extensive cases of tinea.
Infections that do not respond to antifungal creams.
Tinea infections of the scalp, beard, or nail (because antifungal creams do not penetrate hair or
nails well).
Over-the-counter anti-itch lotions, like Sarna or Prax, may be used in some cases. Do not use these
products on open skin or sores.
■ TINEA CAPITIS
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, typically seen in children.
Symptoms: Begins as a red scaly patch that grows slowly. Usually not noticed until a bald patch appears.
Treatment: Oral antifungal medications taken for several weeks.
■ TINEA CORPORIS (Ringworm)
Symptoms: Can look like a ring or like a worm is under the skin. Typically forms a raised scaly border
with normal-looking skin in the middle. Often occurs on the face, neck, chest, arms, or legs.
Treatment: Usually treated with an antifungal cream for several weeks. It is also important to:
Bathe or shower daily, taking care to thoroughly dry your skin.
Change clothing daily. Wash clothes, towels, etc. in hot water.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
■ TINEA CRURIS (Jock Itch)
Symptoms: Itching and redness of the groin area, which may sometimes extend down to the thighs (and
behind the testicles in men, though the scrotum is typically spared).
Occurs more frequently in men.
More common among athletes and overweight individuals (because of increased moisture and
sweating in the groin area).
More common in hot, humid weather.
Treatment: Typically treated with an antifungal cream. Source of infection may be the patient’s own
athlete’s foot, so treating both areas at the same time is important. It is also important to:
Bathe or shower daily. Be sure to dry the groin area well (use a hair dryer on a low setting if
needed).
Avoid hot baths.
Wear cotton underwear (boxers are preferable in men), and avoid tight clothing.
Change clothing and underwear daily.
Launder clothes, shorts, socks, and athletic supporters.
Wear a clean athletic supporter if you use one.
Use a daily talcum (or other drying) powder to prevent recurrences.
■ TINEA PEDIS (Athlete’s Foot)
This infection often follows activities that cause feet to sweat. The moist skin between the toes is a
perfect place for fungus to grow.
Symptoms: Typically, the skin between the toes becomes itchy and red, with a white, wet surface; blisters
may also develop. Another form of athlete’s foot involves thickening or scaling of the skin on the heels
and soles of the feet.
Treatment: Usually treated with an antifungal cream for four weeks. Infections between the toes may only
require one week of treatment. It is very important to keep your feet dry.
Wash your feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. After a bath or shower, dry all
other body parts first before drying your feet.
Dry your feet thoroughly, including the skin between your toes. You may want to insert cotton
balls between the ends of your toes (not the web spaces), to allow moisture to evaporate.
Wear socks that absorb moisture (such as cotton and wool), and change them at least daily. Put
on your socks prior to putting on your underwear.
If areas of macerated skin (eg. between your toes) are present, Burrow’s soaks applied for 20
minutes 2-3 times/day can help dry out lesions and relieve itching. Burrow’s (or Domeboro)
powder is available over-the-counter or by prescription.
Sprinkle your feet and shoes with antifungal powder.
Wash your shoes if they can be washed. If they can’t be washed, allow them to dry completely
between uses (use a hairdryer to dry the insides if needed).
Alternate shoes on a daily basis to prevent moisture build-up and fungus growth. Throw away
worn-out exercise shoes.
Wear shoes that allow air to circulate (such as open-toed shoes, sandals, and flip-flops).
Have shoes and socks off as much as possible, but do not walk barefoot to avoid spreading the
infection to others. Remember to wear sandals, flip-flops, or clogs in the shower.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:
www.aad.org
www.familydoctor.org
www.mayoclinic.com
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Published by VCU Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services
University Student Health Services (804) 828-8828 - Monroe Park Campus clinic
(804) 828-9220 - MCV Campus clinic
Wellness Resource Center
(804) 828-9355 - 815 S. Cathedral Place
Revised 7/12