By: Jenna Dick & Christina Boull, MD, FAAD, FAAP
If your child has a round scaly rash on their scalp or body, it may be a skin infection called tinea. Doctors use the word tinea to describe a group of skin infections caused by germs known as fungi. Common names for skin infections caused by fungi include
ringworm,
athlete's foot and
jock itch.
Tinea is contagious but can be treated and prevented. Read on for answers to common questions you may have about tinea infections.
Why is tinea called ringworm? Is it caused by worms?
No, this disease is not caused by worms but rather by a fungus. It is sometimes called ringworm because it can look like a red, scaly ring-shaped rash on the skin.
What does tinea look like?
Tinea infections may look different on different parts of the body:
Tinea capitis (scalp): Tinea capitis means ringworm on the scalp. This type of tinea infection may cause the scalp to be dry and flaky all over, or just in patches. The child's scalp may be red. Often, there are crusty bumps, sores, broken hairs and missing spots of hair. In addition, the infection may cause
lymph nodes in the neck may be swollen or enlarged. | |
Tinea corporis (body), faciei (face) and cruris (groin): The first signs of tinea infection on the body are red or purple-brown scaly patches in the shape of rings. They may not look like rings until they grow to about a half-inch in size. The rings are scaly and bumpy at the edges, with smoother areas in the center. Sometimes there are multiple rings or partial rings with this type of tinea rash. The rash may be itchy. | |
Tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"): The skin between the toes will be moist and peeling. Sometimes there are red or purple-brown scaly rings on the tops of the toes and feet. This type of tinea rash is most common in teenagers.
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Tinea unguium or onychomycosis (nail fungus): This nail infection causes the nails to get thick and turn yellow brown. This infection is more common on the toenails.
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How is tinea diagnosed?
A doctor will diagnose tinea by looking carefully at your child's skin, scalp and nails. Special tests, such as a skin scraping, or collecting a sample may be done to confirm the diagnosis. The fungus can sometimes be seen by looking at the scraping under the microscope.
What is the treatment for tinea infections?
The type and length of treatment is different depending on what part of the body has the infection.
Tinea on the face, body, groin & feet
A single patch of rash on the body can be treated with an antifungal cream, lotion, or gel. Some of these medicines are available to buy at the drugstore and others will be prescribed by your child's doctor. These medicines need to be used for two to three weeks until the rash is smooth.
A discolored patch of skin will last for a few more weeks before fading away. If the infection is spread over a large part of the body then an antifungal medicine taken by mouth may be needed. If the rash is getting worse while being treated, check back with your child's doctor.
Tinea on the scalp & nails
These infections need to be treated with antifungal medications taken by mouth for several weeks to months. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to be sure that the infection is cured.
Your child's doctor may also recommend washing your child's scalp with a medicated shampoo. The shampoo alone will not clear the infection but can prevent spread to other people.
Is tinea contagious? How can it be prevented?
Yes, tinea is contagious. People usually get tinea by close contact with a person who has it. However, it can be prevented.
Good hygiene is important for preventing tinea infections.
Tips to prevent spread or reinfection with tinea:
- Avoid sharing hairbrushes, hair ribbons, hair clips, hats, hijabs, pillowcases and towels.
- Keep combs and hairbrushes clean.
- Keep feet and skin clean and dry.
- Pay particular attention to drying in between the toes.
- Wear sandals or flip flops in locker room and public showers and around the pool.
- Help your child to wear clean socks every day.
Remember
If you are concerned that your child may have a tinea infection, reach out to your child's doctor for assistance.
More information
About Dr. Dick
 Jenna Dick, BA, is a 6th-year MD/PhD student getting her PhD in immunology with clinical interests in dermatology.
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About Dr. Boull
 Christina Boull, MD, FAAD, FAAP, is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology executive committee.
Tinea corporis, tinea pedis and tinea unguium/onychomycosis images courtesy Sarah Stein, MD, FAAD, FAAP. Tinea capitis image courtesy Christina Boull, MD, FAAD, FAAP.
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