From the Guidelines
Tinea corporis is a fungal skin infection that should be treated with oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or terbinafine, for optimal outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. This infection, also known as ringworm of the body, appears as a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the center, giving it a ring-like appearance 1. The infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi that feed on keratin in the skin.
Key Characteristics and Treatment
- Tinea corporis infections have been reported more frequently among high school wrestlers and judo practitioners 1.
- Oral agents, such as itraconazole, have proven efficacious in the treatment of most cases of T corporis, with a mycological cure rate of 87% when given for 15 days 1.
- Terbinafine appears superior for T tonsurans 1.
- To prevent the spread of the infection, it is essential to avoid skin-to-skin contact with people known to have lesions, not share towels and other fomites, and limit exposure to swimming pools that have recently been associated with known outbreaks 1.
Prevention and Hygiene
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing that may have contacted the infected area.
- Proper hygiene and treatment are essential to prevent spreading the infection to others or to different parts of your body.
From the Research
Definition of Tinea Corporis
- Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes 2, 3, 4.
- It typically presents as a well-demarcated, sharply circumscribed, oval or circular, mildly erythematous, scaly patch or plaque with a raised leading edge 3.
- Mild pruritus is common, and the diagnosis is often clinical but can be difficult with prior use of medications, such as calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids 3.
Diagnosis of Tinea Corporis
- Diagnosis is usually based on history and clinical appearance plus direct microscopy of a potassium hydroxide preparation 2.
- Culture or histologic examination is rarely required for diagnosis, but fungal culture is the gold standard to diagnose dermatophytosis especially if the diagnosis is in doubt and results of other tests are inconclusive or the infection is widespread, severe, or resistant to treatment 2, 3.
- Dermoscopy is a useful and non-invasive diagnostic tool 3.
Treatment of Tinea Corporis
- The standard treatment of tinea corporis is with topical antifungals 3, 4, 5.
- Systemic antifungal treatment is indicated if the lesion is multiple, extensive, deep, recurrent, chronic, or unresponsive to topical antifungal treatment, or if the patient is immunodeficient 3.
- Treatment requires attention to exacerbating factors such as skin moisture and choosing an appropriate antifungal agent 2.
- Topical therapy is generally successful unless the infection covers an extensive area or is resistant to initial therapy, in which case systemic therapy may be required 2.