🦠 Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) is a superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. It commonly affects the arms, legs, and trunk but can occur anywhere on the body. Named "ringworm" for its classic ring-shaped lesions, though no worm is involved. It is one of the most frequent dermatology presentations in GP and A&E clinics in the UK.

🔎 Etiology

Caused by dermatophyte fungi from 3 main genera:

Trichophyton rubrum – most common worldwide 🌍.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes – often zoonotic.
Microsporum canis – linked to cats & dogs 🐱🐶.

⚡ Risk Factors

🌡️ Warm & humid climates (sports, gyms, tropical travel).
👨‍👩‍👧 Close contact with infected people or pets.
🧦 Shared towels, clothes, mats, or sports gear.
💦 Hyperhidrosis (excess sweating).
🛡️ Immunosuppression (HIV, diabetes, steroids).

🩺 Clinical Presentation

Lesions:
- Annular, scaly, red plaque with central clearing ➝ “ring” 🔴.
- Active advancing edge with scaling & itch.
- Multiple lesions may merge into large patches.
Symptoms:
- Pruritus (itch) is the hallmark 🚨.
- Mild burning or irritation in some cases.
Common Sites: Arms, legs, trunk, chest, back, face.

🖼️ Typical annular lesions:

🧾 Diagnosis

Usually clinical; investigations if atypical or recurrent:

👀 Clinical Exam: Ring-shaped, scaly plaques.
🔬 KOH prep: Hyphae visible in scrapings.
🧫 Culture: Useful for resistant/recurrent cases.
💡 Wood’s Lamp: Microsporum fluoresces green.

🔀 Differential Diagnosis

Psoriasis 🧴
Atopic eczema 🤧
Nummular eczema
Pityriasis rosea 🌹
Granuloma annulare
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

💊 Treatment

Choice depends on severity, extent, and patient comorbidity:

Topical antifungals (first-line, localised):
- Azoles: clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole.
- Allylamines: terbinafine (often most effective).
- Applied BID for 2–4 weeks ⏳.
Oral antifungals (extensive/resistant):
- Terbinafine 250mg OD 2–4 weeks.
- Itraconazole 100–200mg OD 2–4 weeks.
- Griseofulvin 500–1000mg OD 4–6 weeks (children, scalp involvement).
Supportive advice: Hygiene, dry skin, avoid sharing items.

🛡️ Prevention

Avoid contact with infected pets/people.
No sharing towels/clothes/gym equipment.
Keep skin clean & dry; wear loose cotton clothing 👕.
Use antifungal powder if prone to recurrences.

⚠️ Complications

📈 Spread to other areas / household contacts.
🦠 Secondary bacterial infection from scratching.
🎭 Tinea incognito: Steroid creams mask & worsen infection.

📊 Prognosis

✅ With appropriate antifungals, most cases clear in 2–4 weeks. ♻️ Relapse is common if underlying risk factors (moisture, pets, poor hygiene) are not addressed. Immunosuppressed patients may require longer systemic therapy.

📌 Summary

Tinea corporis = itchy, annular fungal infection of the skin. 🔑 Diagnosis: clinical ± KOH prep. 💊 Treatment: topical antifungals ➝ oral if widespread. 🛡️ Prevention: hygiene, avoid contact & sharing. 🌟 Prognosis: excellent with treatment, but recurrence common.

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Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)