Tinea is a fungal infection similar to Candida. Tinea can spread to the hands, nails, lower abdomen and buttocks, groin, thighs or feet, and tends to be called different names in different places. On the feet, tinea is called athlete's foot. In the groin, it is called athlete's crotch or jock itch. On the fingernails or toenails, tinea is called onychomycosis. Tinea is commonly known as ringworm.

Symptoms

When the skin is kept moist and warm (athlete's foot) or if the immune system is damaged, the fungus can grow out of control causing flaky red skin or moist white patches on the feet, face or groin, or spots like acne, or severe dandruff.

Treatment and prophylaxis

It will help to keep the skin dry, and avoid possible irritants such as scented soaps, deodorants or aftershave or perfume.

Your doctor can prescribe a course of anti-fungal cream such as clotrimazole, nystatin or miconazole or occasionally anti-fungal pills such as terbinafine: the rash tends to get better very quickly. Over-the-counter preparations are not usually strong enough to eradicate the problems.

Tinea can be persistent, especially on the toe-nails, so ongoing use of anti-fungal cream or tablets may be needed.

Tea tree oil diluted in water can also be helpful. It should not be applied neat because this would be too strong.