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Tinea Corporis - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Alternative names :: Fungal infection, Tinea circinata and Ringworm

What is Tinea Corporis ?

Tinea corporis is commonly known as "ring worm." Tinea corporis is the term used for fungal infection of the skin. The fungus causes a characteristic lesion which is often clear in the center with a rough, scaly, circular border. The lesions vary in size from very small circular patches to very large patches.

Tinea Corporis is small, itchy round red spots that grow to approximately 1/4 inch in diameter, with scaly, slightly raised borders. They tend to clear in center as they expand.

Causes of Tinea Corporis

Tinea Corporis is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Most mammals have at least one type of fungus, and usually the animal and fungus live in peaceful coexistence without the animal ever showing any symptoms. This does not mean that the fungus cannot be transmitted to humans.

Children are particularly susceptible to tinea corporis and can pass it on easily to other children. Adults can also become infected. Farmers and people who work with animals that have fur are at increased risk. Tinea infections are contagious and can be passed by direct contact with affected individuals or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, clothing, shower, or pool surfaces.

Symptoms of Tinea Corporis

Some of the common symptoms of tinea corporis are :-

• Skin rashes becomes itchy.
• Red spots that grow to approximately 1/4 inch in diameter.
• Mostly ring rashes appears at arms, legs and face.
• The patches are ring-shaped or oval and the edges are red and scaly.

Treatment of Tinea Corporis

• Tinea corporis usually clears up quickly when antifungal medicines (such as ketoconazole) are applied twice daily to the skin. If it doesn't, you may need one month of treatment with the antifungal antibiotic, griseofulvin, taken by mouth.
• Recurrences can be treated with Lamisil cream this does not need a prescription and  is very effective for control.
• Tinea Corporis can be treated by using an antifungal cream or by taking antifungal tablets.

Prevention for Tinea Corporis

• Good general hygiene helps prevent Tinea Corporis.
• Do not use steroid creams on the rash they will only make it worse.
• Avoid contact with infected pets as much as possible.
• Do not use clothing or cosmetics items of other persons such as combs or towels.

Tinea Corporis is contagious ?

Yes, tinea corporis is contagious.

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