Tinea Corporis

Tinea corporis (generally known as "ring worm") is a skin infection caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. Few kinds of fungi live on damp surfaces, such as the floors in public showers or locker rooms. Fungi prosper in warm, dank areas. Vulnerability to fungal infection is increased by poor hygiene, prolonged wetness of the skin (such as from sweating), and minor skin or nail injuries.

Tinea corporis is a general skin disorder, specially among children. Though, it may occur in humans of all ages. Passing of tinea corporis may occur from straight contact with infected animals (chiefly cats and dogs), infected humans, or contaminated fomites such as furniture and clothing. The fungus causes a distinctive lesion which is often clear in the center with a rough, scaly, circular border. The lesions differ in size from very small circular patches to very large patches. People can get Tinea corporis from indirect contact with an object or surface which an infected person or pet has touched.

Tinea corporis is infectious. Ringworm derives its name from the characteristic ring which can appear, but it has nothing to do with an real worm under your skin. Alike many other fungal skin infections, warmth and humidity favor the circumstance of this infection. Henceforth, tropical and subtropical regions have a higher occurrence of tinea corporis. Tinea corporis influences your arms, legs, trunk and face. Farmers and people who work with animals that have fur are at increased risk.

The fungus spreads from the centre of the patch but the activity is confined to the outer edge. Ringworm is widespread around the world and in the United States. Ringworm is also a common infection in domestic animals, mainly cattle and cats. The fungus that causes Ringworm of the body exists in humans, animals, and soil. In rare cases, Ringworm can be spread by contact with soil. Diagnosis is abeted through scraping the lesion and perusing the scales under the microscope. Ringworm can be cured with fungus-killing medicine.

Causes of Tinea corporis

The common causes and risk factor's of Tinea corporis include the following:

• Mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.
• Poor hygiene and minor skin and nail injuries heaves your risk for a fungal infection.
• Long-term dampness of the skin (such as from sweating).
• Direct contact with affected animals, infected humans, or contaminated fomites such as furniture and clothing.
• Farmers and people who work with animals which have fur are at increased chance.

Symptoms of Tinea corporis

Some sign and symptoms related to Tinea corporis are as follows:

• A ring-shaped, red-colored skin rash.
• The border of the rash lesions look scaly.
• These rashes are often lighter in the center.
• The infected areas are usually itchy.
• If the nails are affected, they may thicken, discolor, and finally crumble and fall off.
• More than one patch of ringworm may appear on your skin.

Treatment of Tinea corporis

Here is list of the methods for treating Tinea corporis:

• Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole and clotrimazole, attainable by prescription or over the counter, are used to clear up the infection.
• Antibiotics may be required to cure secondary bacterial infections.
• Oral antifungal medications may be adviced.
• Stronger, prescription topical antifungal medications, like ketoconazole may be needed.
• Terbinafine is greatly effective for Tinea corporis.
• Undecylenic acid (Castor oil derivative) is an effective fungicide for fungal skin infections such as ringworm.

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