Clinical features

Possible features are dependent on the site, organism involved and the patient’s immune response::

• athlete's foot (tinea pedis):
  • this infection usually affects the toe webs, sole or lateral aspects of the foot with erythematous, soggy scaling. The lesion is often very itchy (1)
  • seen in around 70% of adults around the world (2)
• ringworm of the skin (tinea corporis):
  • itchy erythematous rash.
  • rash is usually on the groins or axillae
  • presents with one or more scaly papules. These papules enlarge and form ring-shaped scaly lesions with a clear central portion (1).
• groin infection (tinea cruris or 'jock itch'):
  • normally seen on the groin or perineal area (most commonly on the medial thighs)
  • penis and scrotum involvement is rare
  • seen as thin erythematous plaques with definite scaly borders (1)
• tinea infection of the nails(tinea unguium):
  • yellow discolouration of the nails. There is associated crumbling and subungual hyperkeratosis.
  • often seen together with tinea pedis
  • toenails are affected more often than fingernails (1)
• scalp infections (tinea capitis):
  • pustules, boggy swelling, kerion, scarring alopecia.
  • fragile broken hairs are typically seen
  • this infection may occur in epidemics in public baths and swimming pools, and schools.
  • dermatophyte scalp infection most frequently occur in children (in males more than in females) (1)

Reference:

• (1) American Academy of Dermatology. Tinea (Dermatophyte) infection
• (2) Turchin I et al. Edema, erythema and a cutaneous lesion on the hand. Can Fam Physician. 2005;51(4): 499–501