Tinea Corporis

Definition

It is known as ring worm, is a fungal infection of the skin. It is characterized by a pink to red rash and often considerable itching, and usually caused by species of Trichophyton or Microsporum; ringworm of the body. The infection is limited to the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Vellus hair may be invaded, and the hair follicle may serve as a reservoir for the fungus. The lesions vary in size from very small circular patches to very large patches. Tinea corporis is common among children and is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Tinea corporis is an infection of the body surface by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.

Causes of Tinea Corporis

The main common causes of tinea corporis are as:-

• The dampness, humidity, and dirty, crowded living conditions, increases the chances of the person to get affected by tinea corporis.
• Keratin is one of the main cause of tinea corporis, found in cornified human epidermis.
• The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas.
• Tinea corporis is caused by a group of fungi known collectively as dermatophytes. The fungus that causes ringworm is spread from one person to another.
• The most common cause of tinea corporis is T rubrum and Microsporum canis
• It may be spread by touching a contaminated surface .Some common high-risk surfaces include floors in bathrooms, showers and locker rooms.

Symptoms of Tinea Corporis

The possible symptoms of tinea corporis may includes :-

• Inflammation and scaling of the infected area may also present.
• When your scalp or beard is infected, you will have bald patches. The patches on the skin varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
• If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and even crumble.
• The Itching at the affected area.
• There may be skin lesion or rash on the arms, legs, face, trunk of ring shaped.

Treatments of Tinea Corporis

The most treatments for tinea corporis may includes :-

• Naftifine and terbinafine are the two topical allylamines are helpful in reducing redness, fissuring and pruritus.
• Topical therapy is useful in cases of non inflammatory lesions.
• Systemic therapy with griseofulvin, terbinafine, ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole is very beneficial for the treatment of tinea corporis.
• Ciclopirox Olamine: This chemical is a broad-spectrum antifungal that disrupts synthesis of fungal cell membrane proteins when applied topically
• Oral anti-fungal medicine are generally used when it becomes difficult to eliminate the infection.
• Undecylenic Acid and the Undecylenate Chemicals: These nonprescription ingredients are effective when used topically in 10%-25% total undecylenate concentration.