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Tinea

The term "tinea" refers to a skin infection with a dermatophyte (ringworm) fungus.

Tinea Nigra

Tinea nigra affects the skin of the palm and/or sole with persistent slowly growing brown or black patches. They are slightly scaly and do not itch or sting. Tinea nigra is most common in tropical regions and often infects those with a tendency to excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Tinea nigra is due to infection with a brown mould, Exophiala phaeoannellomyces. This mould usually inhabits soil.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a harmless skin disorder caused by a yeast, Malassezia furfur, which may be found on normal skin. Usually this yeast grows sparsely without causing a rash. In some individuals it grows more actively, for reasons unknown. This results in pale brown flaky patches on the trunk, neck, or arms. Tinea versicolor is pink or coppery in pale subjects, but on tanned skin the patches are lighter, since tanning does not occur in the affected areas. The yeast produces a chemical, which diffuses down and impairs the function of the pigment cells in the underlying skin. The failure to tan is temporary; the skin tans normally with sun exposure after the rash has cleared up. Tinea versicolor is not contagious. It is more common in hot, humid climates or in those who sweat heavily, so it may recur each summer.

Trichoepithelioma

Trichoepithelioma is the name given to an uncommon condition in which a single lesion or multiple benign tumors (harmless skin growths) arise on the face after puberty. The tumor cells form rudimentary hair follicles but do not form actual hair shafts. The tendency to multiple Trichoepithelioma is inherited but the condition is more common in females. The tumors are small (usually less than one centimeter), firm, rounded and shiny. They may be yellow, pink, brown or bluish. They usually gradually increase in number with age, occurring on both cheeks, eyelids and around the nose.

Trichostasis Spinulosa

Lesions may also occur on the scalp, chest, back and elsewhere. There are numerous tiny open pores filled with multiple tiny short hairs, usually only visible with a magnifying glass. Trichostasis spinulosa affects the skin of the nose of adults, and is often confused with blackheads.