TINEA CORPORIS (RING WORM OF BODY) – Signs and Symptoms, Diagnostic Evaluations and Management
Tinea corporis (ringworm) is the name used for infection of the truck, legs or arms with a dermatophyte fungus. It’s characterized by a red circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Tinea corporis affects face, neck, truck, extremities and caused by several different fungi. Common lesions are large circular patches (ring like) with raised red borders of vesicles, papules or pustules. Pruritis and erythema also present.
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by mold-like parasities that live on the cells in the outer layer of skin. Ringworm can spread by direct contact with infected people or animals. It also may be spread on clothing or furniture. Heat and humidity may help to spread the infection.
- Are a child younger than 15 years old
- Live in damp, humid or crowded conditions
- Have close contact with an infected person or animal.
- Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
- Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
- Wear tight or restricted clothing
- Have a weakened immune system
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The most common locations for ringworm include the following: neck, arms, legs and trunk (chest, abdomen, back). Ringworm appears as red ring-shaped patches with a raised scaly border ranging from 1 to 10 cm. the central area may be clear of any redness. The border of the affected skin may contain blisters, bumps or scabs. Ringworm may cause itching or burning, especially in people with weak immune systems.
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATIONS
Tinea corporis is usually diagnosed by a physical examination. Sometimes doctors analyze skin scrapings under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor can diagnose ringworm based on the appearance of the rash or reported symptoms. He or she will ask about possible exposure to people or animals with ringworm. The doctor may take skin scrapings or samples from the infected area and look at them under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
MANAGEMENT
Tinea corporis is treated with an antifungal cream, lotion, or gel that is applied directly to the affected area (topical) twice a day and continued for 7 to 10 days after the rash completely disappears, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. If the cream is discontinued too soon, the infection may not be eradicated, and the rash will return. Several days may pass before antifungal creams, lotions or gels reduce symptoms. Examples include clotrimazole (lotrimin AF) and terbinafine (Lamisil AT). Prescription topical or oral drugs can be prescribed for more severe cases of ringworm.
Infections that are difficult to treat and relatively widespread can occur in people infected with Trichophyton rubrum and in people with debilitating diseases. For such people, the most effective therapy is an antifungal drug, such as itraconazole or terbinafine, taken by mouth for 2 to 3 weeks. For a mild case of ringworm, apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion or cream.
TINEA CORPORIS (RING WORM OF BODY) – Signs and Symptoms, Diagnostic Evaluations and Management