Tinea is a Fungal Infection

Tinea is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. Dermatphytes are mold-like fungi living on the skin, dead tissues or any extension arising from skin such as nails or hair. Tinea versicolor is one of the common kinds of infection caused by Malassezia furfur. It results in discoloration of the skin and forms light or dark patches. Hypo pigmentation is the chief causes of these patches. Young adults and adolescents are most prone to it.

Different sources from where you may catch the infection are animals such as your pet or another person who is already infected. An opening in the skin or poor hygienic condition of the skin makes you even more susceptible towards the infection. An attack of the infection does not provide lasting immunity and it may recur at short intervals. It is not easy to resort to any protective measure, as tinea infection is quite widespread. The process through which it causes the infection is still unknown. The infection may linger if you do not treat it properly.

There are different types of tinea or ringworm, each varying from the others quite distinctly. Some of the most common types are as follows:

Tinea barbae: it affects the bearded area of the neck and face.
Tinea corporis: it affects the skin producing round spots.
Tinea capitis: it affects the scalp mainly of children.
Tinea manus: it affects the hand, more specifically the space between the fingers and palms.

While it is not difficult to treat the fungi, yet prevention is a better option.