Tinea Corporis
Tinea infection on the legs is called tinea corporis, which refers to dermatophyte fungal infection of the body (trunk and limbs), also known as "ringworm" 1, 2.
Terminology and Location
- Tinea corporis is the medical term for dermatophyte infections affecting general skin areas including the legs, arms, and trunk 1, 2
- The naming convention for tinea infections is based on the anatomical location affected 2
- When the infection specifically involves the groin area (not the legs), it is termed tinea cruris ("jock itch") 3, 2
- Tinea pedis refers to foot infections, while tinea capitis affects the scalp 2
Clinical Presentation on Legs
- Tinea corporis typically presents as well-demarcated, sharply circumscribed, oval or circular, mildly erythematous, scaly patches or plaques with a raised leading edge 1
- Mild pruritus (itching) is common 1
- Rare variants include tinea corporis purpurica of the legs, which can occur from self-inoculation from infected toenails (onychomycosis) 4
Key Diagnostic Considerations
- The diagnosis is often clinical but can be confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet-mount preparations of skin scrapings from the active border of the lesion 1
- Dermoscopy is a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool 1
- Fungal culture is the gold standard when diagnosis is uncertain or infection is widespread, severe, or resistant to treatment 1