• Fungal infection of the skin
• May affect any area of the skin on the body
• Symptoms may include a red circular rash with raised edges
• More common on the groin areas in males and on the scalp in children
• Spread by direct contact from infected person or animal or contaminated soil
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age
• May be mild to severe

General therapy

• Tinea is contagious and spreads by skin to skin contact
• Wash hands often
• Wash and dry area completely
• Use medicine as stated on label, may need to continue for 2 to 4 weeks
• Change socks and underwear daily
• Wear loose fitted clothing
• For large areas of blisters, apply compresses soaked in Burow’s solution
• Over-the-counter pain medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage)
  •  Topical
    • Ciclopirox
    • Econazole
    • Miconazole
    • Terbinafine
    • Clotrimazole
    • Tolnaftate
  • Oral medicine
    • Ketoconazole
    • Terbinafine

Precautions and Avoidances

• Avoid excessive sweating
• Avoid wearing thick clothing for long periods of time in hot, humid weather
• Do not share clothing, towels or hairbrushes, sports equipment and sheets with others
• Do not borrow items from others
• Wash clothes in hot water with a fungicidal soap
• Apply talcum or other drying powder to affected area daily
• Avoid wearing tight underwear, pants or panty hose
• Wear protective footwear in locker rooms, shower rooms, and public bathing areas
• Shower after any contact sport
• If you have athlete’s foot, put socks on before underwear
• Limit use of gyms and swimming pools
• Disinfect any sports equipment after use
• Have pets treated if they have ringworm

Seek medical ATTENTION if:

• You have a rash that does not heal within 2 to 4 weeks
• Rash covers a large area of the body or is severe
• If redness, swelling, drainage or fever occurs