Tinea corporis is a dermatophytosis Overview of Dermatophytoses Dermatophytoses are fungal infections of keratin in the skin and nails [nail infection is called tinea unguium or onychomycosis]. Symptoms and signs vary by site of infection. Diagnosis is by... read more that causes pink-to-red annular [O-shaped] patches and plaques with raised scaly borders that expand peripherally and tend to clear centrally. A rare variant form appears as nummular [circle- or round-shaped] scaling patches studded with small papules or pustules that have no central clearing. Common causes are Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and Microsporum canis.
The border is raised and scaly and has visible tiny pustules.
© Springer Science+Business Media
Both lesions are due to tinea corporis. The lesion on the right shows typical peripheral scale and slight central lesion clearing.
© Springer Science+Business Media
© Springer Science+Business Media
This photo shows a well-demarcated, scaly, erythematous plaque characteristic of tinea corporis. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation makes the center appear less clear than on light skin.
Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD.
Diagnosis of Tinea Corporis
Clinical evaluation
Potassium hydroxide wet mount
Differential diagnosis of tinea corporis includes
Pityriasis rosea Pityriasis Rosea Pityriasis rosea is a self-limited, inflammatory disease characterized by diffuse, scaling papules or plaques. Treatment is usually unnecessary. Pityriasis rosea most commonly occurs between... read more
Drug eruptions Drug Eruptions and Reactions Drugs can cause multiple skin eruptions and reactions. The most serious of these are discussed elsewhere in THE MANUAL and include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, hypersensitivity... read more
Nummular dermatitis Nummular Dermatitis Nummular dermatitis is inflammation of the skin characterized by coin-shaped or discoid eczematous lesions. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment may include topical corticosteroids and phototherapy... read more
Erythema multiforme Erythema Multiforme Erythema multiforme is an inflammatory reaction, characterized by target or iris skin lesions. Oral mucosa may be involved. Diagnosis is clinical. Lesions spontaneously resolve but frequently... read more
Tinea versicolor Tinea Versicolor Tinea versicolor is skin infection with Malassezia furfur that manifests as multiple asymptomatic scaly patches varying in color from white to tan to brown to pink. Diagnosis is based on clinical... read more
Erythrasma Erythrasma Erythrasma is an intertriginous infection with Corynebacterium minutissimum that is most common among patients with diabetes and among people living in warmer climates. Diagnosis is clinical... read more
Psoriasis Psoriasis Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that manifests most commonly as well-circumscribed, erythematous papules and plaques covered with silvery scales. Multiple factors contribute, including... read more
Secondary syphilis Syphilis Syphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum and is characterized by 3 sequential clinical, symptomatic stages separated by periods of asymptomatic latent infection. Common manifestations... read more
Treatment of Tinea Corporis
Topical or oral antifungals
[See table: Options for Treatment of Superficial Fungal Infections* Options for Treatment of Superficial Fungal Infections* Candidiasis is skin and mucous membrane infection with Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. Infections can occur anywhere and are most common in skinfolds, digital web spaces, genitals... read more .]
Treatment of mild-to-moderate lesions is an imidazole, ciclopirox, naftifine, or terbinafine in cream, lotion, or gel. The drug should be rubbed in 2 times a day continuing at least 7 to 10 days after lesions disappear, typically at about 2 to 3 weeks.
Extensive and resistant lesions occur in patients infected with T. rubrum and in people with debilitating systemic diseases. For such cases, the most effective therapy is oral itraconazole 200 mg once a day or terbinafine 250 mg once a day for 2 to 3 weeks.
Key Points
Tinea corporis typically causes pink-to-red annular [O-shaped] patches and plaques with raised scaly borders that expand peripherally and tend to clear centrally.
Diagnose based on appearance and potassium hydroxide wet mount.
If mild-to-moderate, treat using an imidazole, ciclopirox, naftifine, or terbinafine cream, lotion, or gel applied 2 times a day for at least 7 to 10 days after lesions disappear.