‘Skin disease “Tinia” fast spreading in North Central Province’

By Dayaratne Embogama  

Health Authorities in the North Central Province are perturbed by the spread of a skin disease caused by fungus infection. 

 Medical Officer of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Unit in the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital Dr. Hema Weerakoon said the disease identified as “ Tinia” was fast spreading among men, women and children of all ages.   

“ Tinia” is a disease caused by a fungus infection that has been spreading fast in the North Central Province. It requires timely treatment. The patients must use the drugs as prescribed by the doctors. If they fail to do so, the condition would worsen and the treatment of it would require costly medicine. The areas of the skin with constant sweating, including armpits, the breast and the rear parts of the body are the most susceptible to the infection. It may affect any part of the body. Self medication with drugs purchased from pharmacies without consulting a doctor would worsen the condition” Dr.Mrs.Weerakoon said.  

She further said that about 62 percent of the patients had sought treatment at the hospital after using medicine unfit for treatment of 
fungus infections.