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Tinea corporis

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Illustrations

Dermatitis, reaction to tinea
Dermatitis, reaction to tinea
Ringworm, tinea corporis on an infant's leg
Ringworm, tinea corporis on an infant's leg
Tinea versicolor - close-up
Tinea versicolor - close-up
Tinea versicolor - shoulders
Tinea versicolor - shoulders
Ringworm, tinea on the hand and leg
Ringworm, tinea on the hand and leg
Tinea versicolor - close-up
Tinea versicolor - close-up
Tinea versicolor on the back
Tinea versicolor on the back
Ringworm, tinea manuum on the finger
Ringworm, tinea manuum on the finger
Ringworm, tinea corporis on the leg
Ringworm, tinea corporis on the leg
Granuloma, fungal (Majocchi's)
Granuloma, fungal (Majocchi's)
Granuloma, fungal (Majocchi's)
Granuloma, fungal (Majocchi's)
Tinea corporis - ear
Tinea corporis - ear

Alternative names    Return to top

Fungal infection - body; Infection - fungal - body; Tinea of the body; Tinea circinata; Ringworm - body

Definition    Return to top

Tinea corporis is an infection of the body surface by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, mold-like fungi (dermatophytes), and yeast-like fungi (such as Candida). Some of these are useful to the body. Others may multiply rapidly and cause symptoms.

Tinea corporis (often called ringworm of the body) is a common skin disorder, especially among children, but it may occur in people of all ages. It is caused by mold-like fungi (dermatophytes). See also tinea capitis (involving the scalp), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete's foot).

Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. Susceptibility to fungal infection is increased by poor hygiene, prolonged wetness of the skin (such as from sweating), and minor skin or nail injuries.

Tinea infections are contagious and can be passed by direct contact with affected individuals or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, clothing, shower, or pool surfaces. They can also be transmitted by contact with pets that carry the fungus (cats are common carriers).

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. If tests are used, they may include the following:

Treatment    Return to top

Keep the skin clean and dry. Topical (applied to the skin) over-the-counter antifungal creams, such as those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or similar ingredients, are often effective in controlling ringworm.

Severe or chronic infection may require further treatment by the health care provider. Oral antifungal medications may be given. Stronger, prescription topical antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole may be needed. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. Infected pets should be treated.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Ringworm usually responds to topical treatment within four weeks. Severe or resistant cases usually respond promptly to oral antifungal therapy.

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if ringworm does not improve with self-care.

Prevention    Return to top

Good general hygiene helps prevent ringworm infections. Avoid contact with infected pets as much as possible.

Clothing and household items, such as combs and bathroom surfaces, should be cleaned and dried thoroughly before reuse or use by another person to prevent the spread of the infection. Wash the hands thoroughly after contact with any fungal infection, including contact to treat the infection.

Update Date: 1/11/2003

Updated by: Glen H. Crawford, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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