Small amounts bacteria and fungus naturally inhabit our skin. Normally, they do not cause any harm and can even be beneficial to our health. But if something goes wrong and these organisms start to overproduce, you can run into some skin problems.
Tinea is a word used to describe fungal skin infections.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)
Ringworm infections look like this: circular lesions that are clear in the center, and become red as they reach a rough and scaly border (a “ring”). These lesions can sometimes be very small or may spread out to be larger patches. They are often itchy.
How do I get it?
Ringworm is usually spread from one person to another (most often among small children). Pets, especially kittens, can also spread the disease to people. (An infected pet may not seem to have an obvious skin problem, but it can spread the infection to whoever touches it.)
How do I know I have it?
You have to go to a health care provider to know if you have this infection.
How do I get rid of it?
Ringworm is usually simple to eliminate. Your provider can prescribe an anti-fungal cream that will kill the infection. Remember to continue with the medication even after the infection seems to have disappeared, because you want to make sure you have killed all the fungus.
Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
With Ringworm of the scalp, the fungus infects the hair on your head, causing them to break off. This results in round patches of hair loss that slowly increase in size - not pretty. The head can actually get a stubbly appearance from hairs that are broken off at the surface of the skin. The infection can also cause itching and scaling, but it’s usually not severe.
How do I get it?
Usually, you catch ringworm of the scalp from another person. This disease is most common in small children and is easily spread among them. The fungus can be passed along on hairbrushes, combs, barrettes, hats, etc. Sometimes, people can catch ringworm of the scalp from pets, but this is much less common than person-to-person transmission.
How do I get rid of it?
You need to see your health care provider if you think you have ringworm of the scalp. He or she will prescribe medication to kill the fungus - you’ll probably get pills to take, and he or she will also likely recommend an anti-fungal shampoo. Remember that the sooner you get treatment, the sooner your hair can get back to looking healthy.
It is not necessary to shave your head or cut your hair because of ringworm of the scalp. Medications will kill the fungus, and hair growth should return to normal.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is another fungal infection that happens in the top layer of your skin. This infection is caused by a yeast-like fungus, that when overproduced, forms an itchy rash. The rash results in uneven skin coloration and scaling. You can have this infection on oily parts of your body, such as your neck, upper chest, or back.
Tinea versicolor tends to grow during the warm and humid summer months, so the infection is more common during that time of the year.
How do I know I have it?
A health care provider can diagnosis this infection.
How do I get rid of it?
Tinea versicolor is relatively easy to cure. Usually, creams or oral medications can do the job. Sometimes, you may have to use a special skin cleanser to kill the fungus.
