What is the name of the fungal infection commonly known as ringworm?

The term "tinea" refers specifically to a group of fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails and is commonly associated with the infection known as ringworm. The name "ringworm" actually comes from the characteristic circular, ring-shaped lesions that the infection produces on the skin. Tinea can manifest in various forms depending on the location of the infection, such as tinea corporis (body), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and tinea capitis (scalp).

In contrast, scabies is caused by a parasite (the mite Sarcoptes scabiei) and leads to intense itching and rash, but it is not a fungal infection. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin and can have various causes, including allergic reactions or irritants but is not an infection caused by fungi. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that results in rapid skin cell turnover, leading to scaly patches, but it is not related to fungal infections. Understanding this differentiation helps in recognizing that tinea is the correct term associated with ringworm.