Anorectal: Tinea

What is it?

Tinea is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. A warm, damp environment allows the fungus to cultivate greatly. The fungus may be transmitted by fomites, such as contaminated towels or hotel bedroom sheets, or by auto-inoculation from a reservoir on the hands or feet.

Clinical presentation

Patients may complain of itching or burning sensation of the rash. It may also involve the inner thighs and genital areas.

Affected areas may appear red, tan or brown, with flaking, peeling or cracking skin.

If the rash advances, the advancing edge is often redder and more raised giving a ring-like border to the rash. The skin within the border turns reddish-brown and loses much of its scale.

The border may exhibit tiny pimples or even pustules. If infected with candidal organisms, the rash tends to be redder and wetter.