tinea corporis

Last edited 07/2021 and last reviewed 07/2021

Tinea corporis is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the body (sparing the face, hands, feet, and groin) (1)

This usually begins in body folds such as the groin or axillae and presents as single or multiple small, scaly patches which enlarges or coalesces into plaques, with a clear central portion producing itchy, erythematous annular patches (1).

Skin scrapings are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and are most often positive, if taken from the advancing edge. Wood's light is unhelpful in diagnosing this condition (2).

Often, Microsporum canis is found having been acquired from cats and dogs.

Isolated lesions may resemble psoriasis. Lesions treated with topical steroids may present atypically.

Treatment is usually with topical antifungal therapy such as imidazole creams. Extensive skin infections may require oral therapies e.g. terbinafine 250mg daily for four week or itraconazole 100mg daily for 15 days.

Click here for example images of tinea corporis

Key points (3):

• most cases:
  • use topical terbinafine as fungicidal, treatment time shorter and more effective than with fungistatic imidazoles or undecenoates.If candida possible, use topical imidazole
• if intractable, or scalp:
  • send skin scrapings, if infection confirmed:
    • use oral terbinafine or itraconazole
• scalp:
  • oral therapy, and discuss with specialist

Reference:

• (1) American Academy of Dermatology. Tinea (Dermatophyte) infection
• (2) Weinstein A, Berman B. Topical Treatment of Common Superficial Tinea Infections. AFP 2002;65(10)
• (3) Public Health England (June 2021). Managing common infections: guidance for primary care