Tinea corporis
Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection affecting the skin, primarily seen on the arms, legs, and trunk. Characterized by lesions that may appear as ring-like formations, red bumps, scaly patches, or blisters, this infection is more prevalent in warm, humid climates and often affects children. The condition is caused by dermatophyte fungi, with Trichophyton rubrum being responsible for nearly half of all cases. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals or animals, as well as through contaminated objects like combs and bedding.
Symptoms typically include itchy, red, and elevated lesions that can lead to hair loss in the affected areas. Diagnosis is commonly made through a visual examination and skin scrapings that are analyzed microscopically. Treatment usually involves topical antifungal creams, with oral medications considered for more severe cases. Preventative measures include maintaining good hygiene, keeping skin dry, and avoiding contact with contaminated materials. Awareness of this condition is vital, especially as antifungal resistance is an emerging concern.
Tinea corporis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Skin
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Ringworm, tinea circinata, tinea glabrosa
Definition
Tinea corporis, commonly called ringworm, is a superficial dermatophyte infection characterized by lesions typically appearing on the arms, legs, or trunk of the body. While ringworm does often present with a ring-like appearance, it can also be red bumps, scaly patches, or blisters. It is a common infection seen more often in hot, humid climates. It may occur in people of all ages, but it is most often found in children. The infection can be produced by the following fungal genera: Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton.
Causes
Tinea corporis is caused by dermatophyte fungi. Almost half of the reported cases are caused by the T. rubrum fungus. It is a contagious disease that can be spread by person-to-person contact. It is also transmitted by animal-to-human contact and touching contaminated, inanimate objects (fomites) such as combs, hairbrushes, bedding, personal care products, shower floors and walls, and soils.
Risk Factors
The risk of contracting tinea corporis is increased by long-term wetness of the skin, minor skin and nail injuries, poor hygiene, excessive sweating, and contact with infected people, pets, and objects. Because fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, living in such areas increases the risk of contracting tinea corporis.
Symptoms
Tinea corporis manifests as a lesion that starts as a flat, scaly spot and develops into a red-colored, elevated border that advances outward in a circular shape. As the rash develops, it may become dry, flaky, and itchy. Almost invariably, hair loss occurs in areas where the infection occurs. As previously stated, tinea corporis does not always look the traditional way. Other symptoms include burning and stinging. Further, symptoms may vary depending on where on the body the ringworm presents.
Screening and Diagnosis
The primary diagnosis is based on an examination of the skin. Skin scrapings are taken and examined underneath a microscope to reveal the presence of tinea corporis fungi. If the scrapings are negative, they may be sent for culture, which may take several days for development. In some cases, potassium hydroxide tests may reveal the culprit.
Treatment and Therapy
The skin of an infected person should be kept clean and dry. Ringworm typically responds well to topical treatment. Topical antifungal creams containing miconazole or clotrimazole effectively control and eliminate the infection. Additional topical antifungals often prescribed for ringworm include terbinafine, butenafine, econazole, ketoconazole, and ciclopirox. Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole, fluconazole, griseofulvin, and terbinafine, are sometimes used in cases of severe, widespread fungal infection. Antibiotics are often used to treat secondary bacterial infections. Antifungal-resistant ringworm has emerged as a health issue in the twenty-first century. For this, alternative treatments or a combination of treatments may be necessary.
Prevention and Outcomes
Practicing good hygiene is the best safeguard against ringworm infections. One should keep skin dry; avoid contact with contaminated material; wear loose-fitting clothing; keep combs, bathroom surfaces, bedding, and clothing clean and dry; and thoroughly wash hands after handling animals and plants or coming into contact with the infection. If a person becomes infected, one should take proper measures to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
Bibliography
Andrews, M. D., and M. Burns. "Common Tinea Infections in Children." American Family Physician, vol. 77, 2008, pp. 1415-1420.
Beers, Mark H., et al., editors. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 18th ed., Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories, 2006.
Berger, T. G. "Dermatologic Disorders." Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2011, edited by Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis. 50th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill Medical, 2011.
Burns, Tony, et al., editors. Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology. 8th ed., 4 vols. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
Jackson, Scott, and Lee T. Nesbitt. Differential Diagnosis for the Dermatologist. New York: Springer, 2008.
Lanigan, S. W., and Zohra Zaidi. Dermatology in Clinical Practice. New York: Springer, 2010.
Slomka, Megan, and Elly Dock. "Ringworm: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More." Healthline, 27 Aug. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/ringworm. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.
Zhang, Zhuan, et al. "Advances in the Treatment of Invasive Fungal Disease." PLOS Pathogens, vol. 19, no. 5, 2023, doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011322. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.