Superficial fungal infections

What it is

Superficial fungal infections are very common. They are called dermatophyte or tinea infections, and they are named for where they occur. On the scalp it is tinea capitis, which is quite common in children. On the face it is tinea faciei, on the body tinea corporis, on the hands tinea manuum, on the feet tinea pedis, and in the groin tinea cruris — also known as dhobi’s itch. Nails can be affected too, where it is called tinea unguium.

Tinea shows as very itchy ring-shaped or annular patches. If it is not treated it can spread quite widely, and it can be resistant to treatment.

How it spreads

Tinea infections spread from person to person by direct contact, or through shared items such as clothes, pencils, caps and shower caps. They are very common in hostels and dormitories.

How we treat it

Treatment works when the diagnosis is right and the full course is completed. Both applied and oral medicines have to be taken for the proper duration and at an adequate dose. Recurrence is common when they are not, and resistant infections are quite common. Follow whatever your dermatologist prescribes exactly.

What you can do

Keep the area dry. Wash your clothes separately, and do not put them in the washing machine afterwards. Dry them in the sun, then turn them inside out, iron them and wear them. Make sure other members of the family are treated as well.

Never self-medicate, and never use steroid creams or steroid tablets. They cause a great deal of harm and are a major reason infections become resistant and keep coming back.