tínea

Tiña, commonly referred to as tinea in English, is a group of fungal infections of keratinized tissues—skin, hair, and nails—caused by dermatophyte fungi. The diseases are caused mainly by species in the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The term tinea encompasses several site-specific forms, including tinea corporis (body), capitis (scalp), pedis (foot), cruris (groin), and unguium (nails); other terms include tinea faciei and tinea barbae. In Spanish, tiña is the equivalent term.

Symptoms vary by site but commonly include red, scaly patches, itching, and a ring-like border that may expand over time. Nails may become thickened, discolored, and brittle in tinea unguium, while scalp infection can cause hair loss and scaling.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected skin or hair, or via contaminated objects and, for some species, animals. Risk factors include warm, humid environments, occlusive footwear, athletic activities, immunosuppression, and close contact with infected individuals or pets.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by microscopy of skin scrapings treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to reveal fungal elements, and by fungal culture. Wood lamp examination can help identify some species.

Treatment depends on site and extent. Most cutaneous tinea (body, feet, groin, scalp) responds to topical antifungals such as terbinafine or azoles for 1–4 weeks. Tinea capitis and extensive tinea unguium often require systemic antifungals (e.g., terbinafine or itraconazole) for several weeks to months. Griseofulvin is used less commonly today, mostly for scalp infections in children.

Prevention focuses on keeping skin dry, avoiding sharing personal items, treating infected pets, and adhering to complete treatment to reduce recurrence.