Tinea corporis

Infobox_Disease
Name = PAGENAME


Caption =
DiseasesDB = 29138
ICD10 = ICD10|B|35|4|b|35
ICD9 = ICD9|110.5
ICDO =
OMIM =
MedlinePlus =
eMedicineSubj = derm
eMedicineTopic = 421
MeshID =

"Tinea corporis" is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the arms and legs, especially on glabrous skin, however it may occur on any part of the body.

ymptoms

It may have a variety of appearances; most easily identifiable are the enlarging raised red rings with a central area of healing (ringworm). The same appearances of ringworm may also occur on the scalp (tinea capitis), beard area (tinea barbae) or the groin (tinea cruris, known as jock [booty] itch or dhobi itch).

Treatment

Most cases are treated by application of topical antifungal creams to the skin, but in extensive or difficult to treat cases systemic treatment with oral medication may be required.

Topical treatment

In general ringworm responds well to topical treatment. Topical antifungals are applied to the lesion twice a day for at least 3 weeks. The lesion usually resolves within 2 weeks, but therapy should be continued for another week to ensure the fungus is completely eradicated. The most commonly used antifungal creams are Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine and Tolnaftate.

ystemic oral treatment

If there are several ringworm lesions or if the lesions are extensive, oral antifungal medications can be used. Oral medications are taken once a day for 7 days and result in higher clinical cure rates. The antifungal medications most commonly used are Itraconazole and Terbinafine.

Prevention

Because fungi prefer warm, moist environments, preventing ringworm involves keeping skin dry and avoiding contact with infectious material. Basic prevention measures include:
*Wash hands after handling animals, soil, and plants.
*Avoid touching characteristic lesions on other people.
*Wear loose-fitting clothing.
*Practice good hygiene when participation in sports involves physical contact with other people.