A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Tinea Corporis
Medical Questions » Tinea Corporis
| Name: Tinea Corporis |
| Also known as: Ringworm |
| A fungal infection of the skin that is NOT caused by a worm. |
Causes of Tinea Corporis
The fungi usually come from the Trichophyton, Microsporurn and Epidermophyton families. Caught by close contact with another infected human or animal (eg. cat, dog). Prefer areas of the body where there is heat (under clothing, in shoes), friction (from tight clothes or skin folds rubbing together) and moisture (from sweat), and more common in the tropics. Affects both sexes and all ages equally. |
Symptoms of Tinea Corporis
The fungus settles in one spot on the skin, and a red dot may be seen. This slowly enlarges as the fungus spreads, and after a few days the center of the red patch becomes pale again and similar to normal skin, because the infection is no longer active at this point. The infection continues to spread and forms an enlarging red ring on the skin. Multiple ring-shaped spots with a pale center are seen on the chest, abdomen and back. Usually does not cause an itch or discomfort. |
Tests for Tinea Corporis
Diagnosis proved by taking a skin scraping and examining it under a microscope for fungal spores. |
Treatment for Tinea Corporis
Antifungal creams, ointments, lotions and tinctures. Antifungal tablets are available for more serious infections, but sometimes they are very slow to work, and may need to be taken for up to six months.
|
Complications of Tinea Corporis of its treatment
Without treatment, the ringworm may persist for many months. |
Likely Outcome of Tinea Corporis
Good with proper treatment, but recurs if treatment ceased prematurely. |
|
|
