Tinea corporis is a superficial fungal infection of the arms and legs, especially on glabrous
skin; however, it may occur on any part of the body.
Signs and symptoms It may have a variety of appearances; most
easily identifiable are the enlarging raised red rings with a central area of clearing.
The same appearances of ringworm may also occur on the scalp, beard area or the groin.
Other classic features of tinea corporis include: The edge of the rash appears elevated and
is scaly to touch.
Sometimes the skin surrounding the rash may be dry and flaky.
Almost invariably, there will be hair loss in areas of the infection.
Causes Tinea corporis is caused by a tiny fungus
known as dermatophyte.
These tiny organisms normally live on the superficial skin surface, and when the opportunity
is right, they can induce a rash or infection.
The disease can also be acquired by person-to-person transfer usually via direct skin contact with
an infected individual.
Animal-to-human transmission is also common.
Ringworm commonly occurs on pets and the fungus can be acquired while petting or grooming
an animal.
Ringworm can also be acquired from other animals such as horses, pigs, ferrets and cows.
The fungus can also be spread by touching inanimate objects like personal care products,
bed linen, combs, athletic gear, or hair brushes contaminated by an affected person.
Individuals at high risk of acquiring ringworm include those who:
Live in crowded, humid conditions.
Sweat excessively, as sweat can produce a humid wet environment where the pathogenic
fungi can thrive.
This is most common in the armpits, groin creases and skin folds of the abdomen.
Participate in close contact sports like soccer, rugby, or wrestling.
Wear tight, constrictive clothing with poor aeration.
Have a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis Superficial scraps of skin examined underneath
a microscope may reveal the presence of a fungus.
If the skin scrapings are negative and a fungus is still suspected, the scrapings are sent
for culture.
Because the fungus grows slowly, the culture results do take several days to become positive.
Other methods of diagnosis include potassium hydroxide tests.
Prevention Because fungi prefer warm, moist environments,
preventing ringworm involves keeping skin dry and avoiding contact with infectious material.
Basic prevention measures include: Washing hands after handling animals, soil,
and plants.
Avoiding touching characteristic lesions on other people.
Wearing loose-fitting clothing.
Practicing good hygiene when participation in sports involves physical contact with other
people.
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.
The evidence is best for terbinafine and naftifine but other agents may also work.
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.
If there are several ringworm lesions, the lesions are extensive, complications such
as secondary infection exist, or the patient is immunocompromised, 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.
The benefits of the use of topical steroids in addition to an antifungal is unclear.
There might be a greater cure rate but no guidelines currently recommend its addition.
The effect of Whitfield's ointment is also unclear.
Prognosis Tinea corporis is moderately contagious and
can affect both humans and pets.
If a person acquires it, the proper measures must be taken to prevent it from spreading.
Young children in particular should be educated about the infection and preventive measures:
avoid skin to skin contact with infected persons and animals, wear clothing that allows the
skin to breath, and don't share towels, clothing or combs with others.
If pets are kept in the household or premises, they should get the animal checked for tinea,
especially if hair loss in patches is noticed or the pet is scratching excessively.
The majority of people who have acquired tinea know how uncomfortable the infection can be.
However, the fungus can easily be treated and prevented in individuals with a healthy
immune system.
Society and culture When the dermatophytic infection presents
in wrestlers, with skin lesions typically found on the head, neck, and arms it is sometimes
called tinea corporis gladiatorum.
See also Fungal folliculitis
References