From the Guidelines
Tinea corporis persists due to inadequate treatment, incorrect diagnosis, or reinfection, and can be effectively managed with antifungal medications and preventive measures. The condition is highly contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact, sharing of personal items, and exposure to contaminated environments 1. To prevent the spread of tinea corporis, 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.
Some key factors that contribute to the persistence of tinea corporis include:
- Inadequate treatment, which can lead to incomplete eradication of the fungal infection
- Incorrect diagnosis, which can result in delayed or inappropriate treatment
- Reinfection, which can occur through exposure to contaminated environments or infected individuals
- Poor hygiene and sharing of personal items, which can facilitate the spread of the infection
To effectively treat tinea corporis, antifungal medications such as oral itraconazole 100 mg once a day for 15 days or terbinafine 250mg daily for 2-4 weeks may be necessary, as they have been shown to be efficacious in treating the condition 1. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding sharing of personal items, keeping skin dry, and washing contaminated clothing and bedding in hot water can help prevent recurrence. It is also essential to treat any pets that may be carriers of the fungal infection to prevent reinfection.
The choice of antifungal medication depends on the severity and extent of the infection, as well as the causative organism. For example, terbinafine appears to be superior for treating infections caused by Trichophyton tonsurans 1. By taking a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention, it is possible to effectively manage tinea corporis and prevent its persistence.
From the Research
Factors Contributing to the Persistence of Tinea Corporis
- The persistence of tinea corporis can be attributed to various factors, including the use of inappropriate or ineffective treatments, as well as the development of resistance to antifungal agents 2, 3.
- Immunocompetence can also play a role, as immunocompromised individuals may be more susceptible to persistent or recurrent infections 4, 5.
- The severity and extent of the infection, as well as the presence of underlying medical conditions, can also impact the effectiveness of treatment and the likelihood of persistence 6, 4.
Treatment Options and Effectiveness
- Topical antifungal agents are the standard treatment for tinea corporis, but systemic antifungal treatment may be necessary for more severe or extensive infections 2, 4.
- The effectiveness of different antifungal agents can vary, with some studies suggesting that itraconazole may be more effective than other options, such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, and terbinafine 3.
- However, the development of resistance to antifungal agents can limit the effectiveness of treatment, and combination therapy or alternative treatments may be necessary in some cases 3, 5.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of tinea corporis can be challenging, particularly in cases where the infection is atypical or has been treated with corticosteroids or other medications that can alter its appearance 4.
- Dermoscopy and fungal culture can be useful diagnostic tools, but may not always be necessary or available 4.
- The treatment of tinea corporis can also be challenging, particularly in cases where the infection is severe, extensive, or resistant to conventional treatment 2, 5.