Overview
Tinea faciale is a common infection of the skin on the face caused by a fungus. The infection usually starts out as a red or pink patch, and the patch gradually becomes raised and itchy with the center of the patch appearing as normal skin. This ring-like appearance explains the nickname for tinea infections, ringworm, though this is a misnomer as there is no worm involved. The same fungus that causes tinea corporis (a body infection) causes tinea faciale. All tinea infections are spread from contact with infected people (children commonly spread tinea from one to another), infected animals, or contaminated personal objects such as towels. Tinea infections are relatively easy to treat with prescription creams or pills from your doctor. Because tinea infections are contagious, it is best to avoid intimate contact or sharing of towels or pillowcases with someone with a tinea infection.
