Tinea corporis is a skin infection due to dermatophytes, a type of fungi. Tinea corporis may be acute (sudden onset and rapid spread) or chronic (slow extension of a mild, barely inflamed, rash). It usually affects exposed areas but may also spread from other infected sites. Tinea corporis is a common infection more often seen in typically hot, humid climates. T rubrum is the most common infectious agent in the world and is the source of 47% of tinea corporis cases. Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common dermatophyte to cause tinea capitis, and people with an anthropophilic tinea capitis infection are more likely to develop associated tinea corporis. Therefore, the prevalence of tinea corporis caused by T tonsurans is increasing.

Microsporum canis is the third most common causative organism and associated with 14% of tinea corporis infections. The most common appearance of ringworm is a lesion that starts as a flat, scaly spot which then develops a raised border that advances outward in a circle. The advancing border is red, raised, and scaly while the central area is more normal appearing, usually still with fine scaling. Tinea corporis occurs in both men and women. Women of childbearing age are more likely to develop tinea corporis as a result of their greater frequency of contact with infected children. Tinea corporis affects persons of all age groups, but prevalence is highest in preadolescents. Tinea corporis acquired from animals is more common in children.

Tinea corporis secondary to tinea capitis typically occurs in children because tinea capitis is more common in this population. 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. 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. Sevaral various medicine and topical (applied to the skin) antifungal creams, such as those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or similar ingredients, are often effective in controlling ringworm. Oral antifungal medications may be given. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections. Infected pets should be treated.

Tinea Corporis Treatment Tips

1. Anti-fungal cream may be effective in controlling the condition.

2. Avoid contact sports until lesions have been treated for a minimum of 48 hours.

3. Do not use steroid creams on the rash they will only make it worse.

4. Do not share towels, hats, or clothing with others until the lesions are healed.

5. Use of proper hygiene and cleansing are the best ways to not only prevent the spread of ringworm