Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis)

Introduction: Ringworm of the body is an infection of the outer-layer of skin by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. Ringworm of the body is one of several ringworm fungal infections with the medical name Tinea. Ringworm of the body is known as tinea corporis. Tinea is a type of fungus and corporis is the Latin word for body. Other types of "tinea" ringworm infections include: athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and nail infections (tinea unguium).

Ringworm of the body is not a worm nor caused by a worm. Instead, ringworm of the body gets its name from the characteristic red circle rings that appear on the skin. These red circles often have a healthy, clear or normal looking center in the middle.

Ringworm of the scalp is a common skin disorder that mostly affects children but can appear in adults, especially adults with a weakened immune system, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and atopic dermatitis. Tinea corporis is contagious and can be spread to other people.

Signs & Symptoms: Ringworm of the body is characterized by red lesions that are ring-shaped with a clear or healthy center. The red rings may be blistery, scaly, crusty and either "raised up" or flat to the surface. These lesions can cause itching and irritation and be painful in some cases. Usually, body ringworm lesions are about the size of a quarter but can be up to 2 inches in diameter.

As it's medical name clarifies, tinea corporis affects the body but is limited to the arms, legs, face, neck and trunk area.

Causes: Dermatophytes (the fungi behind most tinea infections) live naturally on the skin and can be found in humans, household pets, farm animals and soil. When the fungi multiply and spread, this can cause an infection called dermatophytosis. Dermatophytosis of the body is tinea corporis or body ringworm.

The fungi that cause tinea corporis skin infections thrive in warm, moist areas. Poor hygiene combined with warm, humid or hot temperatures that promote heavy sweating create the right environment for ringworm fungi, dermatophytes, to thrive.

"Excessive perspiration washes away fungus-killing oils in your skin, making it more prone to infection. Athletes are at higher risk of ringworm." (1)

Body ringworm most often affects children and outbreaks are common in schools and child care centers where dermatophytes can be easily spread from person to person or to objects which are then touched or shared among the children to include: hats, hair brushes, clothes, scarfs, toys, bedding, etc.

Tinea spores also live on pets, like dogs and cats, which can spread the spores to humans. Tinea spores also live on farm animals, wild animals and in the soil.

Diagnosis: Doctors usually make a diagnosis of ringworm of the body based on it's distinctive ring-shaped appearance. To confirm this diagnsosis, the doctor may exam scrapings of the lesion under a microscope.

Treatment: Ringworm of the body is not as severe as other types of ringworm infections (such as the scalp, feet or groin area) and often respond well to "self-treatment" with over the counter medicines. Topical antifungal creams containing miconazole or clotrimazole or terbinafine are available without a prescription under the brand names Mycelex, Micatin, Lamasil, Lotromin, and Neosporin AF (antifungal).

In severe outbreaks of three or more lesions, or lesions that do not respond to OTC topical creams after one week, a doctor should be consulted who may prescribe oral fungicidal antibiotics such as: Sporanox, Lamisil, Diflucan, Nizoral and Grisactin.

Topical and oral treatments are necessary until the lesions have completely disappeared which can take up to 4 weeks. Follow your doctors directions or the prescription recommendations closely when taking oral fungicidal antibiotics.

Prevention: Although ringworm is difficult to prevent, preventitive and precautionary measures should be taken to reduce the risk of spreading the fungi spores to family members, classmates and others. These prevention and precaution tips include:

Sources:
(1). Mayo Clinic, Ringworm of the Body, DS00489, October 2006
(2). eMedicineHealth.com, Ringworm on Body, Jamie M Juntunen, MD, August 2005
(3) MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Ringworm, June 2005

Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases

Ringworm of the Body