General Information About Tinea Corporis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a superficial skin infection on the hairless regions of the body caused by microscopic fungi that feed exclusively on the outermost dead keratin layer of the skin.
It is highly contagious. It spreads through direct physical contact with an infected person or domestic animals such as cats or dogs. It can also be easily transmitted via shared items like towels, clothing, or sports equipment.
This is the most typical clinical manifestation of the disease. The fungus starts from a central point and spreads circularly outward. While the center of the infection heals and becomes pale, the outer rim remains active, elevated, red, and scaly (Ringworm).
The symptoms include one or multiple ring-shaped red rashes on the skin, accompanied by intense itching and cutaneous scaling/peeling in the affected area.
A dermatologist usually makes an immediate diagnosis based on the typical appearance of the rash. In atypical, eczema-like cases, a mild skin scraping is taken and examined under a microscope (KOH test) to identify fungal cells.
Keeping the affected area dry and clean is crucial. Topical antifungal creams are applied for 2-4 weeks to eradicate the fungal cells. If the infection is widespread or resistant to topical treatments, oral antifungal tablets are prescribed.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
