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Tinea Corporis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition:
It is commonly known as "ring worm", is a fungal infection of the skin. It is characterized by a pink to red rash and often considerable itching, and usually caused by species of Trichophyton or Microsporum; ringworm of the body. The infection is limited to the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Vellus hair (the fine hair present on glabrous skin) may be invaded, and the hair follicle may serve as a reservoir for the fungus.The lesions vary in size from very small circular patches to very large patches.
Tinea corporis is common among children and is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Tinea corporis is an infection of the body surface by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.
Causes of Tinea Corporis:
The main causes of tinea corporis are :-
- Tinea corporis is caused by a group of fungi known collectively as dermatophytes. The fungus that causes ringworm is spread from one person to another.
- The dampness, humidity, and dirty, crowded living conditions, increases the chances of the person to get affected by tinea corporis.
- The most common cause of tinea corporis is T rubrum and Microsporum canis
- It may be spread by touching a contaminated surface .Some common high-risk surfaces include floors in bathrooms, showers and locker rooms.
- Keratin is one of the main cause of tinea corporis, found in cornified human epidermis.
- The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas.
Symptoms of Tinea Corporis:
The possible symptoms of tinea corporis are :-
- The Itching at the affected area.
- There may be skin lesion or rash on the arms, legs, face, trunk of ring shaped.
- Inflammation and scaling of the infected area may also present.
- When your scalp or beard is infected, you will have bald patches. The patches on the skin varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
- If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and even crumble.
Treatments of Tinea Corporis:
The most effective treatments for tinea corporis includes:-
- Topical therapy is useful in cases of non inflammatory lesions.
- Systemic therapy with griseofulvin, terbinafine, ketoconazole, itraconazole or fluconazole is very beneficial for the treatment of tinea corporis.
- Allylamines: Naftifine (Naftin) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are the two topical allylamines are helpful in reducing redness, fissuring and pruritus.
- Ciclopirox Olamine (Loprox): This chemical is a broad-spectrum antifungal that disrupts synthesis of fungal cell membrane proteins when applied topically
- Oral anti-fungal medicine are generally used when it becomes difficult to eliminate the infection.
- Undecylenic Acid and the Undecylenate Chemicals: These nonprescription ingredients are effective when used topically in 10%-25% total undecylenate concentration.
If the lesions are extensive, oral antifungal medications can be used. It includes:
- Terbinafine (Lamisil) 250 mg.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox) 200 mg.
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