Health Encyclopedia

Tinea corporis

Definition

Tinea corporis is a skin infection due to dermatophytes, a type of fungi.

Alternative Names

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tinea corporis (often called ringworm of the body) is a common skin disorder, especially among children. However, it may occur in people of all ages. It is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. Poor hygiene, long-term wetness of the skin (such as from sweating) and minor skin and nail injuries raise your risk for a fungal infection.

Tinea corporis is contagious. You can catch the condition if you come into direct contact with someone who is infected, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, clothing, shower floors and walls, or pool surfaces. The fungi can also be spread by pets. (Cats are common carriers).

Symptoms

Symptoms include itching and a ring-shaped, red-colored skin rash. The rash may occur on the arms, legs, face, or other exposed body areas. The border of the rash lesions look scaly.

Signs and tests

The primary diagnosis is based on how the skin looks.

In some cases, the following tests may be done:

KOH (potassium hydroxide) test
Skin lesion biopsy

Treatment

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)

Ringworm usually responds to medications applied to the skin within 4 weeks. Severe or resistant cases usually respond promptly to anti-fungal medicines taken by mouth.

Complications

Secondary bacterial skin infections, cellulitis
Spread of tinea to feet, scalp, groin, or nails
Pyoderma, dermatophytid, or other skin disorders
Systemic (whole body) side effects of medications (See the specific medication)

Calling your health care provider

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

Prevention

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.

Review Date:10/16/2006
Reviewed By:Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.