What Is Tinea Infections?

Tinea are skin diseases caused by fungus like ringworm or jock itch. Some are treated with over the counter items and others require prescription.

*Health information sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. co-pay.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.

Tinea is the name of a group of diseases caused by a fungus. Types of tinea include ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch. These infections are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable. You can get them by touching an infected person, from damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even from a pet.

Symptoms depend on the affected area of the body:

  • Ringworm is a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin. A worm doesn't cause it.
  • Scalp ringworm causes itchy, red patches on your head. It can leave bald spots. It usually affects children.
  • Athlete's foot causes itching, burning and cracked skin between your toes.
  • Jock itch causes an itchy, burning rash in your groin area.

Over-the-counter creams and powders will get rid of many tinea infections, particularly athlete's foot and jock itch. Other cases require prescription medicine.

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