A fungal infection of the skin, or dermatophytosis, occurs through direct contact with infected objects, animals and humans. The conditions most frequently occurs in warm, moist environments. The medical term describing fungal skin infections is "tinea." The word after tinea names the affected body area, according to "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing" by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper.
Athlete's Foot
Tinea pedis, most commonly referred to as athlete's foot, frequently occurs when the feet have regular exposure to moisture, sweat, heat, tight shoes, friction or trauma. This disease is contagious with recurrent flareups and can spread to other parts of the body, according to "Basic Nursing" by Patricia Potter and Anne Griffin Perry. Athlete's foot breaks down into three subcategories: chronic plantar scaling, acute vesicular and interdigital. Chronic plantar scaling presents on the sole of the foot, with no symptoms of itching. Acute vesicular are painful, itchy blisters that may accompany plantar scaling. Interdigital, the most common type of tinea pedis, is found between the toes and features a burning, painful itch that is generally accompanied by a foul odor, according to Williams and Hopper.
Ringworm of Scalp
Ringworm of the scalp, technical name tinea capitas, is highly contagious and can cause hair loss in children, according to Williams and Hopper. Tinea capitas is round, red, scaly patches that itch and may be accompanied by blisters at the edge of the patches. Temporary baldness and brittle hair that easily breaks can also present with this disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, toddlers and school-age children are at the highest risk for developing this disease.
Ringworm of the Body
Tinea corporis, better known as ringworm of the body, is a red patch of skin that progresses to rings with a clear center, according to Potter and Perry. The red ring may appear alone or in clusters and typically occurs on exposed areas of the skin. A common source of this disease is an infected pet.
Jock Itch
Jock itch, medically termed tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the groin that may spread to the buttock and thighs, according to Williams and Hopper. The Mayo Clinic says this disease occurs most often in obese or athletic individuals. Tinea curis appears as a small, scaly patch and then changes into a raised red area with ridged borders. The itching side effect with this tinea can be absent to severe, per Williams and Hopper.
Ringworm of the Nails
Ringworm of the nails, also known as tinea unguium or onychomycosis, is a chronic fungal infection of the nails. This disease most often affects the toenails and is a lifelong disease. Onychomycosis causes the nails to yellow and thicken, eventually the nail will crumble and wholly separate from the skin. This disease can cause destroy the nail, according to Williams and Hopper. Pain most likely accompanies this form of tinea.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Jock Itch
- The Mayo Clinic: Ringworm of the Scalp
- "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing"; by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper; 2003
- "Basic Nursing"; by Patricia Potter and Anne Griffin Perry; 2003
