Introduction:
Tinea corporis is a skin infection that is caused by fungi. It is also called ringworm .
Related skin fungus infections may appear:
- On the scalp
- In a man's beard
- In the groin (jock itch)
- Between the toes
- In other places on the skin.
Causes
Fungi are germs that can live on the dead tissue of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Tinea corporis is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.
Tinea corporis is common in children, but can occur in people of all ages.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. A tinea infection is more likely if you:
- Have wet skin for a long time (such as from sweating)
- Have minor skin and nail injuries
Do not bathe or wash your hair often
- Have close contact with other people (such as in sports like wrestling)
Tinea corporis can spread easily. You can catch it if you come into direct contact with an area of ringworm on someone's body. You can also get it by touching items that have the fungi on them, such as:
- Clothing
- Combs
- Pool surfaces
- Shower floors and walls
- Ringworm can also be spread by pets. (Cats are common carriers.)
Signs and symptoms:
Tinea corporis may begin as 1 or more flat, red patches. As the infection grows, it spreads out in a circle or ring, leaving normal-looking skin in the middle. At the edge of the ring, the skin is red and raised. It may be either dry and scaly, or moist and crusty. The infected skin may itch. Although the infection looks like you have a worm under your skin, there is no worm.
Treatment
Keep your skin clean and dry.
Use creams that treat fungal infections.
Creams that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbenifine, or oxiconazole are often effective in controlling ringworm.
You can buy some of these creams over-the-counter, or your health care provider may give you a prescription.
To use this medicine:
- Wash and dry the area first.
- Apply the cream, beginning just outside the area of the rash and moving toward the center. Be sure to wash and dry your hands afterward.
- Use the cream twice a day for 7 to 10 days.
- Do not use a bandage over ringworm.
Rarely, you may need to take medicine by mouth if your infection is very bad.
A child with ringworm can return to school once treatment has started.
To prevent the infection from spreading:
- Wash all towels in warm, soapy water and then dry them.
- Use a new towel and washcloth every time you wash.
- Clean sinks, bathtubs, and bathroom floors well after each use.
- Wear clean clothes every day and do not share clothes.
Infected pets should also be treated.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
- You have a fever.
- Your infection continues to spread after 7 days of treatment.
- Your infection is not gone in 2 weeks.
- The area around your sore becomes red, warm, tender, swollen, or smells bad.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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