Tinea corporis is a fungal skin infection that causes symptoms like ring-shaped patches, itching, and flaking. It most often affects the buttocks, trunk, neck, arms, or legs.
This infection is caused by Trichophyton or Microsporum species, which live in the outer layers of the skin. It spreads through direct skin contact with an infected person, contact with animals, or by using contaminated objects.
Treatment for tinea corporis, also called dermatophytosis, ringworm, superficial mycosis, or tinea corporis infection, is prescribed by a dermatologist and usually involves antifungal creams or ointments applied to the skin.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of tinea corporis are skin lesions with the following characteristics:
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Ring-shaped patches measuring 1 to 5 cm
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Red borders with a lighter center
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Raised or bumpy edges
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Itching in the affected area
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Lesions with or without skin flaking
Symptoms depend on the fungus causing the infection but typically appear 4 to 10 days after exposure.
In more severe cases, the lesions may spread and merge into larger plaques. Sometimes, blisters or pus-filled sores may also develop near the affected areas.
How to confirm a diagnosis
A dermatologist can diagnose tinea corporis by evaluating symptoms and performing a physical exam to check the appearance of the lesions.
Dermoscopy may also be used, which involves examining the skin with a special magnifying device for a more detailed view.
To confirm the type of fungus, the doctor may perform a skin scraping to analyze under a microscope or send for culture testing.
These tests are important to rule out other skin conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis.
Possible causes
Tinea corporis is caused by fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, or Microsporum canis, which invade and multiply in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.
Transmission of tinea corporis
Tinea corporis can spread in several ways:
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Person to person: through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
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Animal to person: through contact with the skin or fur of infected animals, like dogs, cats, or cows
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Contaminated objects or surfaces: by sharing clothes, towels, bed sheets, combs, or brushes that carry the fungus
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Soil to person: through prolonged contact with soil contaminated by fungi, although this is rare
Certain factors increase the risk of tinea corporis, such as living in hot and humid climates, practicing contact sports like wrestling, sharing personal items, or having a weakened immune system.
Treatment options
Treatment for tinea corporis must be prescribed by a dermatologist and usually includes:
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Topical antifungals such as terbinafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, or miconazole, in creams, gels, ointments, or sprays. These are applied once or twice a day for 15 to 30 days.
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Oral antifungals like griseofulvin, terbinafine, or itraconazole for more severe cases or when topical treatments do not work.
The duration of treatment depends on the number and size of lesions, the type of fungus, the severity of the infection, and the person’s overall health.
Home remedies
Some natural options are sometimes used alongside medical treatment for tinea corporis to help relieve symptoms and support healing, such as:
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Aloe vera gel applied to the skin
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Diluted tea tree oil sprays or creams (used carefully to avoid irritation)
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Sage tea compresses placed on affected areas
These remedies may have antifungal, anti-inflammatory, or soothing properties and can help reduce itching. However, they should only be used as supportive care, not as a replacement for antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor.
How to prevent
To prevent or lower the risk of tinea corporis, the following measures are recommended:
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Do not share clothing or personal items with others
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Avoid very tight clothing, especially in hot and humid climates
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Wash thoroughly with mild soap after contact sports that involve skin-to-skin contact
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Dry the skin completely after bathing
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Take pets to a veterinarian if they have bald patches or blisters on their skin
If someone close has tinea corporis, it is important that they are properly treated to prevent the spread of infection.