Tinea Faciei (Facial Ringworm) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
A dermatophyte infection of facial skin (excluding the beard area), producing red, scaly patches with a raised active edge. It is frequently misdiagnosed as eczema, lupus or rosacea, and treatment with topical steroids masks the scaling while allowing the fungus to spread — a pattern called tinea incognito.
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Quick Answer
Tinea faciei is ringworm affecting the face. It appears as a red scaly patch with a raised, more active edge and central clearing, often mildly itchy and worse after sun exposure. Steroid creams temporarily reduce redness but let the infection spread, producing tinea incognito. Correct treatment is a topical antifungal for four weeks, or oral terbinafine for extensive or steroid-modified cases.
Symptoms
- Red scaly patch with a raised, more inflamed border
- Central clearing giving a ring shape
- Mild itch or burning, worse in sunlight
- Asymmetric, often a single patch
- Loss of scale and blurred edges if steroid cream has been used
Causes & Risk Factors
- Dermatophyte fungi, often from pets or from tinea elsewhere on the body
- Self-spread from athlete's foot or scalp infection
- Contact with infected animals, especially kittens
- Topical steroid use altering the appearance
Treatment & Management
- Topical antifungal cream (terbinafine, clotrimazole) twice daily for 2–4 weeks
- Oral terbinafine or itraconazole for extensive or steroid-modified infection
- Stopping topical corticosteroids
- Fungal scrapings for confirmation
- Treating fungal infection elsewhere and any infected pets
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a facial rash has an asymmetric ring shape, worsens or spreads on steroid cream, or has been treated as eczema without improvement. Ask for skin scrapings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tinea incognito?
It is fungal infection whose typical appearance has been masked by topical steroid. Redness and scale reduce while the fungus spreads, producing an atypical, larger, less scaly patch that keeps returning when the steroid stops.
Can I catch it from my cat?
Yes. Microsporum canis from kittens and cats is a common source of facial ringworm, particularly in children. The animal should be assessed by a vet.
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.