Tinea corporis

Tinea Corporis, commonly referred to as ringworm, is a dermatophyte infection of the superficial layer of the skin. Not to be mistaken as a parasitic infestation, Tinea Corporis derives its name from the characteristic ring-like appearance it forms on the skin.

Tinea corporis

Classification

The condition falls under a broader umbrella of cutaneous fungal infections, which also include conditions such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), and tinea cruris (jock itch). These are all caused by various species of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.

Pathophysiology

• Dermatophytes are fungi that live on keratin, a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails. When the environment is suitable, these fungi can multiply and invade the skin, resulting in Tinea Corporis.
• The fungi penetrate the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, using enzymes like keratinases. In response to the fungal invasion, the body's immune system reacts, causing symptoms such as inflammation, itching, and redness.

Clinical Presentation

The characteristic manifestation of Tinea Corporis is a red, itchy, circular rash with a clear center, often referred to as a "ring" because of its appearance. The border of the lesion may be scaly or raised. The infection can occur anywhere on the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tinea Corporis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional. The clinician may employ dermoscopy or perform a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of skin scrapings for microscopic examination. In some cases, fungal culture may be used to identify the specific organism causing the infection.

Treatment

The primary mode of treatment for Tinea Corporis is the application of topical antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. In severe or resistant cases, systemic antifungals, such as itraconazole or fluconazole, may be prescribed.

Prevention

Preventive measures for Tinea Corporis include maintaining proper personal hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items like towels or clothing, and avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals.

See Also

• Dermatophyte
• Tinea pedis
• Tinea cruris
• Tinea capitis
• Cutaneous fungal infections

References

• Elewski, B.E. (1996). "Onychomycosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management". Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 9 (3): 415–429.
• Ghannoum, Mahmoud A.; Rice, Louis B. (1999). "Antifungal Agents: Mode of Action, Mechanisms of Resistance, and Correlation of These Mechanisms with Bacterial Resistance". Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 12 (4): 501–517.
• Hay, Roderick J. (2010). "Tinea Corporis". In Goldsmith, Lowell A. (ed.). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine (8th ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 2234–2235.

External links

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) - American Academy of Dermatology Tinea corporis - MedlinePlus Tinea corporis - DermNet NZ

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