Tinea that won't go away: a new resistant fungus

Tinea (ringworm) is a common fungal skin infection. It usually clears quickly with antifungal creams or tablets. But doctors around the world, including in Australia, are now seeing a type of tinea that is much harder to treat.

What is Trichophyton indotineae?

Trichophyton indotineae is a fungus that first spread widely in South Asia. It is now found in many countries. It often does not respond to terbinafine, the tablet most commonly used for tinea.

Signs to look out for

• Widespread, itchy, red and scaly rings, often on the groin, buttocks, trunk or face
• Tinea that keeps coming back or does not clear with usual treatment
• Other family members with a similar rash
• Recent travel to, or family links with, South Asia

Using steroid creams on tinea can make it spread and harder to recognise.

How it is diagnosed and treated

A skin scraping is sent to the laboratory to identify the fungus. Special tests can confirm this species. An expert group recently published recommendations on the best tests and treatment, and a different antifungal tablet is usually needed for several weeks.

What you can do

• Contact us if a rash is not clearing, rather than trying more creams.
• Avoid using steroid creams on a rash unless a doctor has diagnosed it.
• Don’t share towels, clothes or bedding while you are being treated.

If you have tinea that won’t go away, please book an appointment with us.