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Tinea corporis – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Tinea corporis is a common fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes, producing ring-shaped, itchy rashes on the body. It is highly treatable with antifungal medications.
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Tinea corporis is a common fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes, producing ring-shaped, itchy rashes on the body. It is highly treatable with antifungal medications.
What is Tinea corporis?
Tinea corporis is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes – a group of fungi that thrive on keratin found in the outer layers of the skin. It affects the smooth skin of the trunk, arms, and legs, but not the scalp, beard, hands, or feet, which have their own distinct clinical names. Tinea corporis is commonly known as ringworm, a misleading name since no worm is involved; the term refers to the characteristic ring-shaped appearance of the skin lesions.
Causes
The infection is caused by several species of dermatophytes. The most common include:
- Trichophyton rubrum – the most prevalent cause of superficial fungal infections worldwide
- Trichophyton tonsurans
- Microsporum canis – frequently transmitted from animals, especially cats and dogs
- Epidermophyton floccosum
Transmission can occur through:
- Direct contact with an infected person or animal
- Indirect contact with contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, or sports equipment
- Contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker room floors or swimming pool areas
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing Tinea corporis:
- Weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV infection or diabetes mellitus)
- Close physical contact in sports such as wrestling
- Living in warm, humid climates
- Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing
- Contact with infected pets
Symptoms
The typical symptoms of Tinea corporis include:
- Ring-shaped, scaly skin lesions with a raised, reddened border and a clearer center
- Itching in the affected area
- Redness and mild scaling of the skin
- Occasional small blisters along the edge of the lesion
- Single or multiple patches that may slowly expand outward
Diagnosis
In most cases, diagnosis is made clinically based on the characteristic appearance of the rash. To confirm the diagnosis, the following tests may be used:
- Direct microscopy (KOH preparation): Skin scrapings are treated with potassium hydroxide and examined under a microscope for fungal threads (hyphae).
- Fungal culture: Collected material is grown on culture media to identify the specific organism.
- Wood lamp examination: A special ultraviolet light source can make certain dermatophytes visible through fluorescence.
Treatment
Topical Therapy
For mild to moderate cases, topical antifungal treatment applied directly to the skin is usually sufficient. Commonly used active ingredients include:
- Clotrimazole
- Terbinafine
- Miconazole
- Ketoconazole
Treatment is typically applied for 2–4 weeks in the form of a cream, gel, or lotion.
Systemic Therapy
For extensive, persistent, or recurrent infections – or in immunocompromised patients – oral antifungal medications may be required, such as terbinafine or itraconazole.
Hygiene Measures
In addition to medication, hygiene practices are essential to prevent reinfection:
- Daily change of clothing and bed linen
- Use of personal towels
- Treatment of infected pets
- Disinfection of sports equipment and shared surfaces
Prognosis
Tinea corporis is generally curable with consistent treatment. Without therapy, the infection may become chronic and spread to other areas of the body. Recurrences are possible, particularly if underlying risk factors remain unaddressed.
References
- Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M: Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. American Family Physician. 2014;90(10):702-710.
- Andrews MD, Burns M: Common tinea infections in children. American Family Physician. 2008;77(10):1415-1420.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Skin diseases – Dermatomycoses. WHO Global Health Reports, Geneva.
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