Ringworm Body, Tinea Corporis
Ringworm Body, Tinea Corporis
Tinea corporis is the ringworm of the body that causes rash due to fungal infection. Usually it appears as red, itchy, circular rash with clear skin in the middle. Because of it’s appearance ringworm gets it’s name. No worm is involved in this infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Ring shaped area scaly in appearance, usually seen on buttocks, trunk, arms and legs
- Sometimes itchy
- Inside the ring is clear or scaly area, may be with scattering of red bumps
- Overlapping of rings can be seen
Causes
This is a contagious fungal infection which arises by common mold-like parasite. Parasite lives on the cells in there outer layer of skin. This infection can transmit to others by following ways:
- Direct skin to skin contact with infected person
- Touching of infected animal
- Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces
- From infected soil to humans
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this infection depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Skin scrapping from affected area can be done to check under microscope.
Treatment
Treatment options include the following:
- Over-the-counter antifungal medications
- Prescription-strength antifungal medications — such as a lotion, cream or ointment
- Antifungal pills
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Dry and clean affected area
- Application of over-the-counter antifungal ointments such as clotrimazole or terbinafine