Tinea

Tinea – what is it?

Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin. All fungi a need warm moist environment and tinea is no exception. It can develop in any hot, sweat-prone area, such as the groin and between the toes of the feet (commonly called “Athlete’s Foot”).

Tiny, fungal spores naturally inhabit the skin’s surface. Under normal conditions these are kept under check and pose no problems. However given enough heat and sweat, fungi can thrive and multiply.

Common symptoms of tinea include: itching and stinging, reddened skin, a scaly rash, cracking, splitting and peeling and occasionally blisters.

Tinea is highly contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly through towels, clothes or even floors.

What can be done?

Prevention

The best way to avoid tinea is to practice good hygiene.

• After washing, dry the skin thoroughly, particularly between the toes and within skin folds

• Expose the skin to the air as much as possible

• Wear cotton socks instead of synthetics

• Wear thongs to swimming pools, locker rooms, gyms and other communal areas.

Natural Solutions

Tinea infections respond well to antifungal creams, but there are natural options available as well. Tea Tree Oil is nature’s antifungal. It has been used for centuries against all kinds of fungal infections of the skin and nails, and is particularly effective against tinea.

It is recommended that the area be thoroughly washed and dried, before applying 100% pure Bosisto’s Botanicals Tea Tree Oil directly to the site of the infection. Repeat twice daily.

If no improvement is seen within 7 days, seek medical advice. Some infections are particularly stubborn and may also require an oral dose of antifungal medication.