These descriptive terms refer to the location of the infection and not which specific type of fungus is involved. The classical features of tinea are itching, redness on the skin and a circular patchy lesion that spreads along its borders, at the same time clearing at the center. This pattern may not always be seen in every infected person. Additional signs or symptoms depend on which site is infected, and how advanced the disease is. Between the toes there may be thick, white scaling.
Nails can turn thick and white, and eventually crumble if untreated.
They live on the dead tissues on the skin and any structures that grow from the skin, such as hair or nails. Other fungi include other types of Trichophyton and Microsporum. One type of tinea infection known as tinea versicolor results in a common skin disorder characterized by a patchy discoloration of the skin. This infection, caused by a fungus with the remarkable name of Malassezia furfur, is seen primarily in adolescents and young adults. Infection does not create lasting immunity - a child can be repeatedly infected by the same type of fungus.