Is Tinea contagious?

[sincethen]

My skin is very sensitive, I've dealt with odd rashes all of my life, mostly from soaps and detergents. About 2 years ago when I was in a relationship the guy told me that he would have this stuff on his back appear every once in a while and his doctor gave him special shampoo to control it. I never quite found out what it was. later into our relationship I noticed this rash on my back that just keep getting worse espeacially when it was hot outside and I was sweating. My doctor said it was tinea and she said I would have this on and off for the rest of my life. LOL ok so I haven't had this stuff in a year. But I was wondering could I have gotten this from my ex? sharing the same blankets and such? And if I don't have it know, or if it's not itchy or visible, is it still considered contagious? Oh and does it really last a life time? Thanks!

[sincethen]

Thanks for the reply Kat120, so it can be an issue for a while, and possibly contagious since sometimes touching bacteria is inevitable. Thanks Kat120 :)

[Kat120]

Tinea is considered a fungal yeast infection. Its a harmless condition, but a cosmetic nuisance.  Its considered a superficial skin infection that results in discolored patches of skin that could appear on the chest, back, upperarms.  It can spread from one to another through contact. So you may have come in contact with this guy.  It can be itchy sometimes scaly. When it appears on the scalp it is called tinea capitis.  The anti fungal shampoos or topical creams can control this yeast infection. To avoid future breakouts, avoid excessive heat or sweating, overuse of skin lotions, wear sunscreen whenever possible. It truly can last a life time but break outs may be sporadic.  Excessive moisture is a breeding ground for fungal infections.