Overview
Tinea infections are fungal infections of the skin; they are often called ringworm, though there is no worm involved, because the infection can look like a ring-shaped rash on the skin. Ringworm infections are spread by contact with infected people, animals, or objects (eg, towels and locker room floors).
The most common kind of ringworm is called tinea corporis (ringworm of the body). It can be found on any area of skin on the body but usually appears on exposed regions, such as the face, hands, and arms. Athletes who have skin-to-skin contact with others are frequently affected by ringworm. There are special names for ringworm infections on other parts of the body. For example, if the rash affects the feet it is called athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and if it affects the groin it is called jock itch (tinea cruris). Write-ups for these specific areas are discussed separately.
