Tinea Infection: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When you see a red, itchy ring on your skin, it’s often not just a rash—it’s a tinea infection, a common fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist areas. Also known as ringworm, it doesn’t involve worms at all—it’s fungus, plain and simple. This isn’t rare. Up to 20% of people will get one at some point, especially if they sweat a lot, share towels, or walk barefoot in gyms and locker rooms.

Tinea infection comes in different flavors depending on where it shows up. athlete’s foot, a type of tinea that affects the feet, especially between the toes is the most common. Then there’s jock itch, a similar fungal rash in the groin area, often mistaken for irritation from tight clothes. And don’t forget ringworm, the classic circular rash that can appear on the scalp, arms, or legs. They’re all the same family of fungi—just different neighborhoods.

What makes tinea spread so easily? Moisture. Heat. Shared surfaces. A damp towel. A gym mat. Bare feet in a public shower. Once the fungus lands on your skin, it doesn’t need much to take hold. It feeds on keratin—the protein in your skin, hair, and nails. That’s why it can also turn your toenails thick and yellow. Most cases respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams, but if it doesn’t clear up in two weeks, or if it’s on your scalp, you need prescription strength. Oral antifungals like terbinafine or itraconazole work faster for stubborn cases.

People often confuse tinea with eczema or psoriasis because the redness looks similar. But tinea itches more, spreads outward in a ring, and doesn’t respond to steroid creams. If you put hydrocortisone on it, you might feel relief at first—but the fungus keeps growing underneath. That’s why getting the right diagnosis matters. A doctor can confirm it with a quick skin scraping and a microscope.

Prevention is simple but easy to ignore. Dry off thoroughly after showers. Wear flip-flops in public showers. Don’t share combs, hats, or shoes. Wash workout clothes after every use. If someone in your house has it, clean shared surfaces with bleach or antifungal spray. And if your pet has bald patches? That could be ringworm too—pets can pass it to people.

The posts below cover everything from how to spot tinea early, to what antifungal drugs really do, to how to avoid reinfection after treatment. You’ll find real advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to talk to your pharmacist about the best options—no fluff, no guesswork.