Tinea incognito. DermNet NZ

Tinea incognito. DermNet NZ

Tinea incognito is the name given to tinea when the clinical appearance has been altered by inappropriate treatment, usually a topical steroid cream. Tinea is an infection with a dermatophyte fungus.

The result is that the original infection slowly extends. Often the patient and/or their doctor believe they have a dermatitis, hence the use of a topical steroid cream. The steroid cream dampens down inflammation so the condition feels less irritable. But when the cream is stopped for a few days the itch gets worse, so the steroid cream is promptly used again. The more steroid applied, the more extensive the fungal infection becomes.