Family DoctorOnline DoctorFamily Doctor
DiseasesInjuriesMedical TestsDrugsFruitsHome RemediesHerbal MedicinesVegetablesFirst AidVitaminsHomeopathic Remedies
Skin Disorders

Acanthosis Nigricans
Acne
Acne Scars
Acrochordons
Actinic Keratosis
Adult Acne
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Alopecia Areata
Amoebiasis
Anal Warts
Androgenic Alopecia
Angioma
Aphthous Ulcer
Athlete's Foot
Atopic Dermatitis
Atypical Moles
Baby Acne
Back Acne
Baldness
Birthmarks
Blackheads
Blue Nevi
Boils
Bowen's Disease
Bullous Pemphigoid
Capillary Hemangioma
Cavernous Hemangioma
Cellulite
Cellulitis Skin Infection
Comedo
Common Warts
Cracked Heels
Cysts
Dandruff
Dark Circles
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis
Dermatofibroma
Discoloration of Elbows and Knees
Dry Lips
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dysplastic Nevi
Eczema
Enlarged Pores
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Erythroderma
Flexural Psoriasis
Folliculitis
Fordyce’s Condition
Freckles
Furunculosis
Genital Herpes
Genital Warts
Granuloma Annulare
Grover's Disease
Guttate Psoriasis
Halo Nevus
Hand Dermatitis
Heat Rash
Herpes Simplex
Herpes Zoster
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hirsutism
Hot Tub Folliculitis
Hyperhidrosis
Ichthyosis
Impetigo
Intertrigo
Keloid
Keratosis Pilaris
Lentigenes
Lentigo
Leucoderma
Lichen Planus
Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Lichen Striatus
Liver Spots
Lupus Erythematosus
Lyme
Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Tinea Corporis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment


Definition

Tinea corporis is also known as ringworm. It is a superficial dermatophyte infection characterized by either inflammatory or noninflammatory lesions on the glabrous skin. It is actually not caused by a worm, but by a fungus. Tinea corporis refers to a fungal infection of the body or face, not including the beard area on men. It is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Ringworm occurs more commonly in warm, tropical environments, affects men and women equally, and affects all ages equally. They generally do not invade deeply, owing to nonspecific host defense mechanisms that can include the activation of serum inhibitory factor, complement, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Women of childbearing age are more likely to develop tinea corporis as a result of their greater frequency of contact with infected children.

Causes

  1. It is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.
  2. Transmission can occur directly through contact with infected lesions or indirectly through contact with contaminated articles such as shoes, towels or shower stalls.
  3. The combination of warm weather and tight clothing encourages fungus growth. This increases the risk to get caused by tinea corporis.
  4. The fungi can also be spread by pets that carry the fungus. Cats are common carriers. Cats may have an infection, but may not be suspected until lesions appear on their owners.

Symptoms

  1. The rash starts about two weeks after your child has come into contact with the fungus.
  2. Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze.
  3. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center.
  4. Usually the border of the patches advances and spread. The center of the patches clears as the border increases.
  5. The rash may occur on the arms, legs, face, or other exposed body areas.
  6. The patches may be very itchy.
  7. Ringworm can also affect the nails, causing them to become thickened and discolored, with scaling of the palms or soles.

Treatment

  1. Keep your skin as clean and dry as possible.
  2. Topical therapy is recommended for a localized infection because dermatophytes rarely invade living tissues.
  3. Oral antifungal medication may be required if the condition is severe. Medications are used such as griseofulvin, itraconazole, terbinafine and fluconazole.
  4. Corticosteroids may sometimes be used for the treatment of severely inflamed or potentially scarring lesions, such as scalp infections.
  5. Surgical treatment is usually not indicated except for the drainage of superficial vesicles, bullae, pustules, or deep abscesses.
  6. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. Infected pets should be treated.
  7. You can use special shampoo available for scalp tinea corporis. These helps in making the scalp clean as well as are anti fungus.
Mastocytosis
Melasma
Morton's Neuroma
Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
Mycosis Fungoides
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Paget's Disease
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Perioral Dermatitis
Periorbital Cellulitis
Pimples
Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica
Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Pityrosporum Folliculitis
Plantars Warts
Pock Marks
Poison Ivy
Pompholyx
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
Port Wine Stains
Prickly Heat
Pruritis
Pruritus Ani
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
Puffy Eyes
Pustular Psoriasis
Scabies
Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Seborrhea
Seborrheic Keratoses
Shingles
Skin Abscess
Skin Cancer
Skin Darkening
Skin Tags
Strawberry Hemangioma
Sunburn
Telogen Effluvium
Tinea Capitis
Tinea Corporis
Tinea Cruris
Tinea Versicolor
Toothache
Urticaria Pigmentosa
Urticaria
Variola
Venous Angioma
Xerosis

Online Doctor || Teeth Care || Contact Us || Diabetes Care || Cellulite Guide || Chemotherapy || Acne Products ||

Bookmark and Share

(c) Online-family-doctor.com All rights reserved

Disclaimer: Online-family-doctor.com is an information and educational purposes web site only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Do not rely upon any of the information provided on this site for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your primary health care provider about any personal health concerns. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this site.