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.