What is Tinea characterized by?

Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin, and it is characterized primarily by itching, scales, and painful circular lesions. This condition occurs when dermatophytes—fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments—infect the skin, hair, or nails. The circular lesions often have a raised, red border and clear centers, giving them a distinctive appearance that can be quite itchy and uncomfortable.

The other options do not accurately describe tinea. Severe scalp dermatitis, while it may involve itching and scaling, is not exclusively linked to the fungal infections classified as tinea. A viral infection refers to diseases caused by viruses, such as warts or herpes, which are distinctly different from fungal infections. Skin cancer lesions typically present as irregularly shaped, changing spots or moles and are not characterized by the specific signs associated with tinea. Thus, the traits of itching, scaling, and circular lesions are definitive indicators of tinea.