The term «Ringworm» describes a secondary skin infection caused by a specific dermatophyte fungus (dermatophytosis).
The nomenclature used to classify this condition varies depending on the area of the body affected, giving a particular name to each location.
- Tinea barbae: Affects the beard area.
- Tinea capitis: Infection located on the scalp or head.
- Tinea corporis: Commonly known as body ringworm.
- Tinea cruris: Ringworm located in the groin area.
- Tinea faciei: Affects the skin of the face.
- Tinea manuum: Ringworm that appears on the hands.
- Tinea pedis: Popularly known as «athlete's foot.».
- Tinea unguium: An infection that affects the nail nail (onychomycosis).
It is important to note that certain conditions sharing the prefix «Tinea» have distinct etiologies or clinical presentations that differ from the strict concept of dermatophytosis:
- The pityriasis Pityriasis versicolor is a more precise name for what is sometimes called tinea versicolor. This condition is actually a common yeast infection that affects the trunk.
- Tinea incognita (often documented as unknown ringworm) refers to a ringworm infection whose clinical symptoms have been altered or modified due to inappropriate medical treatment.
- Black piedra is not caused by a dermatophyte, but by a mold-type fungus. This infection manifests on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, causing brown spots on light skin or black spots on dark skin.
