Condition
Fungal infections
Also called Tinea, Ringworm, Dermatophyte infection, Dhobi's itch
Very common, very itchy ring-shaped fungal patches, named for wherever on the body they occur.
At a glance
Who it affects
Very common; can affect skin, scalp, feet, groin or nails.
What you notice
Itchy ring-shaped or annular patches that may spread.
What may help
Treatment may work when the diagnosis is right and the course is complete; recurrence varies.
What are fungal infections?
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 does it spread?
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 is it treated?
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 can you do at home?
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.
How the clinic approaches it
Your doctor may choose applied or oral treatment after diagnosis. Response depends on the cause and course.
Points to remember
- Keep the area dry.
- Wash and dry clothes as advised.
- Avoid steroid creams without advice.
Related pages
Book an appointment
One clinic, one address, one number. Skin appointments and ENT appointments are booked the same way.
Call to confirm today’s hours