Fungal infections tinea corporis

[RiskOrNot]

I've suffered from athletes foot since I was around 14 and I'm 21 year old male now. My question would be is it possible for ones own tinea pedis to spread to the body(tinea corporis) through let's say dirty towels, clothes, bed sheets, etc. Also, in cases of infections like hiv is tinea more widespread/severe because I have three little circles two dime sized(one on my back and one next to my nipple) one quarter sized(upper groin area almost hitting my waistline)on my body that my doctor quickly identified as tinea. My doubt is that they have never itched, had any raised bumps or a clearing center and I've had the first one I've noticed for like 5 months. I'm concerned so any input would be truly helpful. Thank you in ahead for your time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast fungus and is found mainly on sun exposed areas. There are many predisposing factors for the same and these include immunosuppression, pregnancy, malnutrition and excessive heat and humidity.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[RiskOrNot]

Hello doctor, thank you for replying. I just got back from the dermatologist's office and she said it was not tinea corporis, but pityriasis versicolor which she concluded from observing the lesions at a magnified closer range, with the lesions being asymptomatic and evenly colored unlike that of tinea corporis. Any thoughts on skin lesion severity/uniqueness and immunocompromised patients? I forgot to ask her and would like some input. Thank you ahead of time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Tinea being a fungal infection is contagious and can transmit from one part of body to another. Scratching is almost certain to pass the infection from one part of the body to another. You need to get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.