what type of skin infection is tinea corporis (ringworm)? course hero

by Josue Wolf 7 min read

Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin. Tinea is also known as ringworm. This is because it can cause red patches on the skin in the shape of rings. But it’s not caused by worms.

Full Answer

What is Tinea corporis (ringworm)?

Tinea corporis (commonly known as ringworm) is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) which normally occurs on a person’s arms and legs. However, tinea corporis can be found on other areas of the body in some cases. Ultimately tinea corporis is a fungal infection of the skin.

Can tinea corporis be confused with eczema?

Occasionally, tinea corporis can be confused with atopic dermatitis (more commonly known as eczema) The starting point for treating fungal infections such as tinea corporis is to use topical antifungal creams that are applied directly to the affected area.

Are tinea infections of the feet the same as ringworm?

Tinea infections of the feet, nails, and genital areas are not generally referred to as ringworm, as they may not take on the typical ring shape. There is an increased risk of contracting ringworm and other tinea infections if a person: What are the most common types of tinea infections?

Can tinea corporis be found on other areas of the body?

However, tinea corporis can be found on other areas of the body in some cases. Ultimately tinea corporis is a fungal infection of the skin. You can typically identify the rash by its appearance, of an enlarged red scaly annular circle, with a central clearing in the middle of the ring.

Is tinea corporis a fungal infection?

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance.

What is a tinea corporis definition?

Tinea corporis; Fungal infection - body; Tinea circinata; Ringworm - body. Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by fungi. It is also called tinea. Related skin fungus infections may appear: On the scalp.

What causes tinea corporis?

Tinea corporis is predominantly caused by dermatophyte fungi of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum. The anthropophilic species T. rubrum is the most common causative agent of tinea corporis worldwide including New Zealand.

What is ringworm human?

Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It's called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy. Anyone can get ringworm.

Is ringworm a fungus?

Ringworm is a common infection of the skin and nails that is caused by fungus. The infection is called “ringworm” because it can cause an itchy, red, circular rash. Ringworm is also called “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” The different types of ringworm are usually named for the location of the infection on the body.

How do you describe tinea infection?

Tinea is a contagious fungal skin infection. The most commonly affected areas include the feet, groin, scalp and beneath the breasts. Tinea can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through towels, clothes or floors. Tinea is also known as ringworm, which is a misleading name as no worm is involved.

What is a common contact source of tinea corporis?

Infected humans are the most common source of tinea corporis in the United States. Contact with contaminated household pets, farm animals, and fomites (eg hair brushes, towels) can spread infection.

Is tinea corporis a superficial mycoses?

Superficial and mucocutaneous mycoses Dermatophyte infections include clinical disease states such as tinea capitis (scalp), cruris (groin), corporis (body) and pedis (feet).

How is tinea corporis spread?

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is an infection of the skin caused by tiny fungus spores that reproduce in the dead outer layers of your skin. It's contagious as long as any spores are alive. This means it can spread on contact to other parts of your body, or to other people, even when you're being treated.

What is fungal skin infection?

A fungal infection, also called mycosis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus. There are millions of species of fungi. They live in the dirt, on plants, on household surfaces, and on your skin. Sometimes, they can lead to skin problems like rashes or bumps.

What causes skin rashes?

Skin rashes can occur from a variety of factors, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders and medications. One of the most common skin disorders that causes a rash is atopic dermatitis (ay-TOP-ik dur-muh-TI-tis), also known as eczema.

Is ringworm a worm?

Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It's not caused by worms.

What causes ringworm on the body?

Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. It is caused by a fungal infection—not an actual worm. Fungi on the skin, hair, and nail bed are called dermatophytes. Also referred to by healthcare providers as Tinea infections, infection on the scalp, arms, legs, face, and trunk is characterized by ring-shaped, red, ...

What is a ringworm nail?

Nail infection (tinea unguium). An infection of the finger or toe nail, this type is characterized by a thickened, deformed nail. This condition more often affects the toenails than the fingernails. It happens more often in adolescents and adults rather than young children. Symptoms of nail ringworm may include:

What is the hardest to treat scalp ringworm?

Your opinion or preference. Treatment for scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) or nail infection (tinea unguium) is hardest to treat and usually includes an oral antifungal medicine for many weeks.

Why does my scalp itch?

Rash elsewhere on the body. Ringworm of the scalp can also develop into a kerion, a large, tender lesion over the area of the initial ringworm. This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the ringworm and may be associated with a rash elsewhere and tender lymph nodes in the neck.

What are the symptoms of nail ringworm?

Symptoms of nail ringworm may include: Thickening of the ends of the nails. Yellow color to the nails. Body ringworm (tinea corporis). This skin infection is characterized by a ring-like rash anywhere on the body or the face. It happens in all ages, but is seen more often in children.

How to treat ringworm in the foot?

Treatment for ringworm of the body, groin, and foot is usually a topical antifungal agent or an oral antifungal medicine. The length of the treatment depends on the location of the ringworm. Because the fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, recurrences of ringworm are likely. Treatment may need to be repeated.

How do you know if you have ringworm?

The symptoms of body ringworm may include: Red, circular lesion with raised edges. The middle of the lesion may become less red as the lesion grows. Itching of the affected area. The symptoms of ringworm may resemble other skin conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How to diagnose tinea corporis?

If you suspect that you have tinea corporis then diagnosis is normally made by carrying out a skin examination. Your dermatologist will carry out a scraping of the fungal culture and analyse the results. This can take a few weeks to get a positive result, since it can take a little while to grow the culture in the lab.

Where does tinea corporis occur?

Tinea corporis (commonly known as ringworm) is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) which normally occurs on a person’s arms and legs. However, tinea corporis can be found on other areas of the body in some cases. Ultimately tinea corporis is a fungal infection of the skin.

What is the best treatment for tinea capitis?

Typically, the best way to treat tinea capitis is to use an oral antifungal medication such as Griseofulvin or Lamisil. To ensure that the treatment is effective, blood and hair cultures are taken to monitor the efficacy of the treatment.

How to treat tinea versicolor?

You may also having an itchy rash. The way tinea versicolor is treated is by applying topical antifungal medications to the infected area on the skin.

What is the cause of tinea capitis?

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is caused by a superficial fungal infection that affects the scalp. This is commonly caused by the Tichophyton and Microsporum type of dermatophytes fungus. Visually you can generally identify tinea capitis with patches of hair loss. You will also find some broken hairs and “black dots”.

What are the different types of tinea?

Other Forms of Tinea 1 Tinea Faciei – This is a tinea fungal infection that affects the face. 2 Tinea Barbae – This type of tinea is classified as a fungal infection of the hair follicles and often can occur in and around men’s beards. 3 Tinea Unguium – (also known as: Onychomycosis) This is a form of tinea that affects the nail. Fungus can grow on the nail and discolor it. Over time the nail can become damaged, can split, and even remove itself from the nail bed. 4 Tinea Manuum – This is a tinea infection that is constrained to the hands and fingers. 5 Tinea Pedis – Tinea infections that affect the feet and foot area.

What is the cause of tinea?

Tinea is actually caused by a dermatophyte infection. A dermatophyte is a type of fungus that is able to grow on body surfaces such as the skin and hair. Tinea and dermatophyte infections should not be confused with a different type of fungal infection, Candidiasis. This particular fungal infection is caused by a type of yeast (Candida).