Common Tinea Infections in Children

inea refers to dermatophyte infec-tions, which are generally classified by anatomic location: tinea capitis is located on the scalp, tinea pedis on the feet, tinea corporis on the body, tinea cruris on the groin, and tinea unguium on the nails. tinea is also called ringworm, espe-cially when located on the body, and is caused by a group of fungi that infect only the outer keratinous layer of skin, hair, and nails. these fungi cannot survive on mucosal surfaces, such as the mouth or vaginal area. superficial tinea infections are some of the most com-mon dermatologic conditions in children.1 Dermatophytes are aerobic fungi that are divided into three genera (i.e., Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton). tinea infection is acquired directly from contact with infected humans (anthropophilic organ-isms) or animals (zoophilic organisms) or indirectly from exposure to contaminated soil or fomites (geophilic organisms). the clinical manifestations of dermatophyte infections varies by the infection site and the patient’s immunologic response; genetic susceptibility may play a role in vulnerability to infection.2 Table 1 presents the differential diagnosis of tinea infections,3 and Table 2 summarizes common therapies