Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Tinea corporis is a skin infection due to fungi. It is also called
See also:
Tinea capitis -
Tinea cruris (jock itch) -
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
Alternative Names
Fungal infection - body; Infection - fungal - body; Tinea of the body; Tinea circinata; Ringworm - body
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Tinea corporis is a common skin disorder among children. However, it may occur in people of all ages. It is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.
Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. The following raise your risk for a fungal infection:
- Long-term wetness of the skin (such as from sweating)
- Minor skin and nail injuries
- Poor hygiene
Tinea corporis can spread easily to other people. You can catch the condition if you come into direct contact with an area of ringworm on someone's body, or if you touch contaminated items such as:
- Clothing
- Combs
- Pool surfaces
- Shower floors and walls
The fungi can also be spread by pets (cats are common carriers).
Images
Review Date: 10/04/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center
for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
