Tinea

"Tinea" refers to a skin infection with a dermatophyte (ringworm) fungus.

Depending on which part of the body is affected, it is given a specific name.

• Tinea barbae (beard)
• Tinea capitis (head)
• Tinea corporis (body)
• Tinea cruris (groin)
• Tinea faciei (face)
• Tinea manuum (hand)
• Tinea pedis (foot)
• Tinea unguium (nail)

Sometimes, the name gives a different meaning.

• Tinea versicolor is more accurately called pityriasis versicolor. This is a common yeast infection on the trunk.
• Tinea incognito refers to a tinea infection in which the clinical appearance has changed because of inappropriate treatment.
• Tinea nigra is a mould infection (not a dermatophyte). It affects the palms or soles, which appear brown (on white skin) or black (on dark skin).
• Tinea amiantacea (usually referred to as pityriasis amiantacea) - this is a scalp condition that is usually due to either psoriasis or severe seborrhoeic dermatitis.