eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Fungal Infections
Tinea Corporis
Updated: Jun 5, 2008
Introduction
Background
Tinea corporis is a superficial dermatophyte infection characterized by either inflammatory or noninflammatory lesions on the glabrous skin (ie, skin regions except the scalp, groin, palms, and soles). Three anamorphic (asexual or imperfect) genera cause dermatophytoses: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Dermatophytes may infect humans (anthropophilic), infect nonhuman mammals (zoophilic), or reside primarily in the soil (geophilic).
Pathophysiology
Dermatophytes preferentially inhabit the nonliving, cornified layers of the skin, hair, and nail, which is attractive for its warm, moist environment conducive to fungal proliferation. Fungi may release keratinases and other enzymes to invade deeper into the stratum corneum, although typically the depth of infection is limited to the epidermis and, at times, its appendages. They generally do not invade deeply, owing to nonspecific host defense mechanisms that can include the activation of serum inhibitory factor, complement, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Following the incubation period of 1-3 weeks, dermatophytes invade peripherally in a centrifugal pattern. In response to the infection, the active border has an increased epidermal cell proliferation with resultant scaling. This creates a partial defense by way of shedding the infected skin and leaving new, healthy skin central to the advancing lesion. Elimination of dermatophytes is achieved by cell-mediated immunity.
Trichophyton rubrum is a common dermatophyte and, because of its cell wall, is resistant to eradication. This protective barrier contains mannan, which may inhibit cell-mediated immunity, hinder the proliferation of keratinocytes, and enhance the organism's resistance to the skin's natural defenses.
Frequency
International
Tinea corporis is a common infection more often seen in typically hot, humid climates. T rubrum is the most common infectious agent in the world and is the source of 47% of tinea corporis cases. Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common dermatophyte to cause tinea capitis, and people with an anthropophilic tinea capitis infection are more likely to develop associated tinea corporis (see Tinea Capitis). Therefore, the prevalence of tinea corporis caused by T tonsurans is increasing. Microsporum canis is the third most common causative organism and associated with 14% of tinea corporis infections.
Mortality/Morbidity
Dermatophyte infections do not result in significant mortality, but they can greatly affect quality of life.
Sex
Tinea corporis occurs in both men and women. Women of childbearing age are more likely to develop tinea corporis as a result of their greater frequency of contact with infected children.
Age
Tinea corporis affects persons of all age groups, but prevalence is highest in preadolescents. Tinea corporis acquired from animals is more common in children. Tinea corporis secondary to tinea capitis typically occurs in children because tinea capitis is more common in this population.
The Medscape Pediatric Dermatology Resource Center may be of interest.
Clinical
History
Symptoms, contact history, recent travel, and international residence are relevant clues in the history of a person with tinea corporis.
- Infected patients may have variable symptoms.
- Patients can be asymptomatic.
- A pruritic, annular plaque is characteristic of a symptomatic infection. Patients occasionally can experience a burning sensation.
- HIV-positive or immunocompromised patients may develop severe pruritus or pain.
- Tinea corporis may result from contact with infected humans, animals, or inanimate objects. The history may include occupational (eg, farm worker, zookeeper, laboratory worker, veterinarian), environmental (eg, gardening, contact with animals), or recreational (eg, contact sports, contact with sports facilities) exposure.
- A few clinical variants are described, with distinct presentations.
- Majocchi granuloma, typically caused by T rubrum, is a fungal infection in hair, hair follicles, and, often, the surrounding dermis, with an associated granulomatous reaction. Majocchi granuloma often occurs in females who shave their legs. See Majocchi Granuloma.
- Tinea corporis gladiatorum is a dermatophyte infection spread by skin-to-skin contact between wrestlers.1
- Tinea imbricata is a form of tinea corporis found mainly in Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Central America, and South America. It is caused by Trichophyton concentricum.2
- Tinea incognito is tinea corporis with an altered, nonclassic presentation due to corticosteroid treatment.3
Physical
- Tinea corporis can manifest in a variety of ways.
- Typically, the lesion begins as an erythematous, scaly plaque that may rapidly worsen and enlarge.
- Following central resolution, the lesion may become annular in shape.
- As a result of the inflammation, scale, crust, papules, vesicles, and even bullae can develop, especially in the advancing border.
- Rarely, it can present as purpuric macules, called tinea corporis purpurica.4
- Infections due to zoophilic or geophilic dermatophytes may produce a more intense inflammatory response than those caused by anthropophilic microbes.
- HIV-infected or immunocompromised patients often have atypical presentations including deep abscesses or a disseminated skin infection.
- Majocchi granuloma manifests as perifollicular, granulomatous nodules typically in a distinct location, which is the lower two thirds of the leg in females.
- Tinea corporis gladiatorum often manifests on the head, neck, and arms, which is a distribution consistent with the areas of skin-to-skin contact in wrestling.
- Tinea imbricata is recognized clinically by its distinct scaly plaques arranged in concentric rings.
Causes
- Tinea corporis can be caused by a variety of dermatophytes, although prevalence and patient history are very helpful in identifying the most likely organism.
- Internationally, the most common cause is T rubrum.
- T tonsurans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes,3,5 Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton verrucosum,6 Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum2 are also known to produce infection.
- Tinea imbricata is caused by Trichophyton concentricum.
- Dermatophytoses may be acquired from different sources, such as people, animals, or soil.
- Infected humans are the most common source of tinea corporis in the United States.
- Contact with contaminated household pets, farm animals, and fomites (eg hair brushes, towels) can spread infection.
- T verrucosum causes 98% of dermatophyte infections in cattle and is showing increasing prevalence of infection in human contacts.
- T mentagrophytes is spread by rabbits, guinea pigs, and small rodents.5
- Infection with M gypseum, a geophilic organism, can mimic tinea imbricata in presentation.
- Because fungal arthroconidia can survive in the environment, recurrent outbreaks may occur.
Differential Diagnoses
| Atopic Dermatitis | Nummular Dermatitis |
| Candidiasis, Cutaneous | Parapsoriasis |
| Erythema Annulare Centrifugum | Pityriasis Rosea |
| Erythema Multiforme | Psoriasis, Annular |
| Erythrasma | Psoriasis, Plaque |
| Granuloma Annulare | Seborrheic Dermatitis |
| Granuloma Faciale | Syphilis |
| Impetigo | Tinea Versicolor |
| Lupus Erythematosus, Subacute Cutaneous | |
| Lymphocytic Skin Infiltration |
Workup
Laboratory Studies
- A potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination of skin scrapings may be diagnostic.
- A KOH test is a microscopic preparation used to visualize fungal elements removed from the skin's stratum corneum.
- The sample should be taken from the active border of a lesion because this region provides the highest yield of fungal elements. A KOH preparation from a vesicular lesion should be made from the roof of the vesicle.
- The KOH helps dissolve the keratin and leaves fungal elements intact, revealing numerous septate, branching hyphae amongst epithelial cells.
- A counterstain, such as chlorazol black E or Parker blue-black ink, may help visualize hyphae under the microscope.
- A fungal culture is often used as an adjunct to KOH for diagnosis. Fungal culture is more specific than KOH for detecting a dermatophyte infection; therefore, if the clinical suspicion is high yet the KOH result is negative, a fungal culture should be obtained.
- A few culture mediums are available for dermatophyte growth.
- Sabouraud agar containing neopeptone or polypeptone agar and glucose is often used for fungal culture. However, it does not contain antibiotics and may allow overgrowth of fungal and bacterial contaminants.
- Mycosel, a commonly used agar, is similar to Sabouraud agar but has antibiotics.
- Commonly, dermatophyte test medium (DTM) is used. It contains antibacterial (ie, gentamicin, chlortetracycline) and antifungal (ie, cycloheximide) solutions in a nutrient agar base. This combination isolates dermatophytes while suppressing other fungal and bacterial species that may contaminate the culture.
- Following culture inoculation, potential fungal growth is monitored for 2 weeks.
- Positive culture results vary depending on the medium used.
- DTM contains phenol red solution, which causes a color change from straw-yellow to bright-red under alkaline conditions, indicating a positive dermatophyte culture result. However, the color makes identification of culture morphology (particularly pigmentation) difficult.
- Sabouraud or Mycosel agar should be used to assess gross and microscopic colony characteristics.
- If the above clinical evaluations are inconclusive, the molecular method of polymerase chain reaction for fungal DNA identification can be applied.7
- For atypical presentations, further evaluation for HIV infection and/or an immunocompromised state should be considered.
Histologic Findings
A skin biopsy with a hematoxylin and eosin staining of tinea corporis demonstrates spongiosis, parakeratosis, and a superficial inflammatory infiltrate. Neutrophils may be seen in the stratum corneum, which is a significant diagnostic clue. On occasion, septate branching hyphae are seen in the stratum corneum with hematoxylin and eosin stain, but special fungal stains (eg, periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori methenamine silver) may be required.
Treatment
Medical Care
Topical therapy is recommended for a localized infection because dermatophytes rarely invade living tissues. Topical therapy should be applied to the lesion and at least 2 cm beyond this area once or twice a day for at least 2 weeks, depending on which agent is used. Topical azoles and allylamines show high rates of clinical efficacy. These agents inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a major fungal cell membrane sterol.
- The topical azoles (eg, econazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, oxiconazole, sulconazole, sertaconazole) inhibit the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, a cytochrome P-450–dependent enzyme that converts lanosterol to ergosterol. Inhibition of this enzyme results in unstable fungal cell membranes and causes membrane leakage. The weakened dermatophyte is unable to reproduce and is slowly killed by fungistatic action. Sertaconazole nitrate is one of the newest topical azoles. It has fungicidal and anti-inflammatory abilities and is used as a broad-spectrum agent. It may have a reservoir effect and therefore is a good choice for noncompliant patients. Lastly, Liebel et al published in vitro data in 2006, reporting this drug has anti-itch properties.8
- Allylamines (eg, naftifine, terbinafine) and the related benzylamine butenafine inhibit squalene epoxidase, which converts squalene to ergosterol. Inhibition of this enzyme causes squalene, a substance toxic to fungal cells, to accumulate intracellularly and leads to rapid cell death. Allylamines bind effectively to the stratum corneum because of their lipophilic nature. They also penetrate deeply into hair follicles.9
- Ciclopirox olamine is a topical fungicidal agent. It causes membrane instability by accumulating inside fungal cells and interfering with amino acid transport across the fungal cell membrane.
- A low-to-medium potency topical corticosteroid can be added to the topical antifungal regimen to relieve symptoms. The steroid can provide rapid relief from the inflammatory component of the infection, but the steroid should only be applied for the first few days of treatment. Prolonged use of steroids can lead to persistent and recurrent infections, longer duration of treatment regimens, and adverse effects of skin atrophy, striae, and telangiectasias.
Systemic therapy may be indicated for tinea corporis that includes extensive skin infection, immunosuppression, resistance to topical antifungal therapy, and comorbidities of tinea capitis or tinea unguium. Use of oral agents requires attention to potential drug interactions and monitoring for adverse effects.
- The mechanism of action or oral micronized griseofulvin against dermatophytes is disruption of the microtubule mitotic spindle formation in metaphase, causing arrest of fungal cell mitosis. A dose of 10 mg/kg/d for 4 weeks is effective. In addition, griseofulvin induces the cytochrome P-450 enzyme system and can increase the metabolism of CYP-450–dependent drugs. It is the systemic drug of choice for tinea corporis infections in children.
- Systemic azoles (eg, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole) function similar to the topical agents, causing cell membrane destruction.9
- Oral ketoconazole at 3-4 mg/kg/d may be given. However, this agent carries an associated risk of hepatitis in less than 1 in 10,000 cases and now is seldom used orally for dermatophyte infections.
- Fluconazole at 50-100 mg/d or 150 mg once weekly for 2-4 weeks is used with good results.
- Oral itraconazole in doses of 100 mg/d for 2 weeks shows high efficacy. With an increased dose of 200 mg/d, the treatment duration can be reduced to 1 week. However, the cytochrome P-450 activity of itraconazole allows for potential interactions with other commonly prescribed drugs.
- Based on E-test for susceptibility of T rubrum, voriconazole was the most active and fluconazole was the least active of the azole drugs.10
- Oral terbinafine may be used at a dosage of 250 mg/d for 2 weeks; the potential exists for cytochrome P-450, specifically CYP-2D6, drug interactions with this agent.
- Systemic therapy is needed when the infection involves hair follicles, such as Majocchi granuloma. In this case, topical therapy may serve as adjunct treatment with the oral medication.
- The preferred treatment for tinea imbricata is griseofulvin or terbinafine, although some resistance has developed to oral griseofulvin.11
Surgical Care
Surgical treatment is usually not indicated except for drainage of superficial vesicles, bullae, pustules, or deep abscesses.
Medication
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications. Topical antifungal agents are effective for treating most cases of tinea corporis. Systemic therapy may be indicated for tinea corporis that is extensive, involves immunocompromised patients, or is refractory to topical therapy. For severe infections, systemic therapy can be combined with topical antifungal treatments.
Topical allylamines
Naftifine 1% cream or gel (Naftin)
Broad-spectrum antifungal agent that appears to interfere with sterol biosynthesis by inhibiting the enzyme squalene 2,3-epoxidase. This inhibition results in decreased amounts of sterols, causing cell death. If no clinical improvement occurs after 4 wk, reevaluate patient.
Dosing
Adult
Cream or gel: Gently massage sufficient quantity into affected area and surrounding skin qd for 2-4 wk
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Discontinue use if sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs; for external use only; avoid contact with eyes
Terbinafine 1% cream (Lamisil)
Fungicidal activity; synthetic allylamine derivative that inhibits squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis of fungi, resulting in deficiency in ergosterol that causes fungal cell death. Use until symptoms significantly improve.
Dosing
Adult
Apply to affected area qd for 1-4 wk
Pediatric
<12 years: Not established
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported with topical use
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Discontinue use if chemical irritation develops
Topical pyridones
Ciclopirox olamine 1% cream (Loprox)
Interferes with synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein by inhibiting transport of essential elements in fungal cells.
Dosing
Adult
Massage into affected areas bid for 3-4 wk; reevaluate diagnosis if no improvement after 4 wk
Pediatric
<10 years: Not established
>10 years: Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Avoid contact with eyes and other internal routes; discontinue if sensitivity or irritation occurs
Topical benzylamines
Butenafine 1% cream (Mentax)
Inhibits squalene epoxidation, which, in turn, causes blockage of ergosterol biosynthesis (an essential component of fungal cell membranes), causing fungal cell growth to arrest.
Dosing
Adult
Apply qd to affected and surrounding area for 2 wk
Pediatric
<12 years: Not established
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Use topically (not in eyes, vagina, or other internal routes)
Systemic azoles
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Synthetic oral antifungal (broad-spectrum bistriazole) that selectively inhibits fungal cytochrome P-450 and sterol C-14 alpha-demethylation, which prevents conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, thereby disrupting cellular membranes. Has little affinity for mammalian cytochromes, which is believed to explain its low toxicity. Available as tab for oral administration, as powder for oral susp, and as a sterile solution for IV use. Has fewer adverse effects and better tissue distribution than older systemic imidazoles.
Dosing
Adult
150 mg/wk PO for 2-4 wk
Pediatric
Not established
Interactions
Levels may increase with hydrochlorothiazides; levels may decrease with long-term coadministration of rifampin; may increase concentrations of theophylline, phenytoin, tolbutamide, cyclosporine, glyburide, and glipizide; effects of anticoagulants may increase with coadministration; increases in cyclosporine concentrations may occur when administered concurrently; cisapride administration may cause torsade de pointes
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity; coadministration with terfenadine in patients receiving fluconazole at multiple doses of >400 mg
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Adjust dose for renal insufficiency; also associated with anaphylaxis and exfoliative skin disorders (closely monitor if rashes develop and discontinue drug if lesions progress); may cause clinical hepatitis, cholestasis, and fulminant hepatic failure (including death) when taken with underlying medical conditions (eg, AIDS, malignancy) or while taking multiple concomitant medications; not recommended for breastfeeding mothers
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Fungistatic activity; synthetic triazole antifungal agent that inhibits fungal cell growth by inhibiting the cytochrome P-450–dependent synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes.
Dosing
Adult
100 mg/d PO for 2 wk or 200 mg/d PO for 1 wk; not to exceed 400 mg/d; increase in 100-mg increments if no improvement (administer >200 mg/d in divided doses)
Pediatric
Not established
Suggested for children 3-16 years: 100 mg/d PO for 1 wk
Interactions
Antacids may reduce absorption; edema may occur with coadministration of calcium channel blockers (eg, amlodipine, nifedipine); hypoglycemia may occur with sulfonylureas; may increase tacrolimus and cyclosporine plasma concentrations when high doses are used; rhabdomyolysis may occur with coadministration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (ie, lovastatin, simvastatin); coadministration with cisapride can cause cardiac rhythm abnormalities and death; may increase digoxin levels; coadministration may increase plasma levels of midazolam or triazolam; phenytoin and rifampin may reduce levels (phenytoin metabolism may be altered)
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Caution in hepatic insufficiencies (rare cases of reversible idiosyncratic hepatitis reported); monitor hepatic enzyme test values in preexisting hepatic function abnormalities
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Inhibits synthesis of ergosterol (main sterol of fungal cell membranes), causing cellular components to leak; results in cell death.
Dosing
Adult
200-400 mg PO qd
Pediatric
3.3-6.6 m/kg PO qd for 4 wk, not to exceed 400 mg/dose
Interactions
Isoniazid may decrease bioavailability; coadministration decreases effects of either rifampin or ketoconazole; may increase effect of anticoagulants; may increase toxicity of corticosteroids and cyclosporine (cyclosporine dosage can be adjusted); may decrease theophylline levels; decreases metabolism of repaglinide, thus increasing serum levels and effects
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity; fungal meningitis
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Hepatotoxicity may occur; may reversibly decrease corticosteroid serum levels (adverse effects avoided with dose of 200-400 mg/d); administer antacids, anticholinergics, or H2-blockers at least 2 h after taking ketoconazole
Systemic allylamines
Terbinafine (Lamisil, Daskil)
Fungicidal activity; synthetic allylamine derivative that inhibits squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis of fungi, resulting in a deficiency in ergosterol that causes fungal cell death. Use until symptoms significantly improve.
Dosing
Adult
250 mg/d PO for 1-2 wk
Pediatric
Terbinafine tab; treatment duration similar to that in adults
10-20 kg: 62.5 mg/d PO
20-40 kg: 125 mg/d PO
>40 kg: 250 mg/d PO
Interactions
May decrease cyclosporine effects; toxicity may increase with rifampin and cimetidine
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Precautions
Discontinue use if acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, angioedema, desquamation, erythema multiforme, erythroderma, bullous pemphigoid, lupus erythematosus, pustular psoriasis, lichenoid eruption, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria, or alopecia erupts or if hepatobiliary dysfunction, neutropenia, or changes in ocular lens or retina develops; transient decreases in absolute lymphocyte count have been observed in controlled clinical trials
Other systemic antifungals
Griseofulvin (Fulvicin)
Fungistatic activity; fungal cell division is impaired by interfering with microtubule. Binds to keratin precursor cells. Keratin is gradually replaced by noninfected tissue, which is highly resistant to fungal invasions.
Dosing
Adult
500 mg microsize (330-375 mg ultramicrosize) PO in single or divided daily doses
Pediatric
20 mg microsize/kg/d (5 mg/lb/d) PO or 7.3 mg ultramicrosize/kg/d (3.3 mg/lb/d) PO
Interactions
May decrease hypoprothrombinemic activity of warfarin; contraceptives may lose their effectiveness; may reduce effects of cyclosporine; may decrease serum salicylate concentrations; barbiturates may decrease serum levels
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
On prolonged therapy, observe patients closely; monitor renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function regularly; lupuslike syndromes or exacerbation of lupus erythematosus may occur; photosensitivity may also occur (patients should take protective measures against exposure to UV light or sunlight)
Topical azoles
Clotrimazole 1% cream (Mycelex, Lotrimin)
Nonabsorbable imidazole. Broad-spectrum synthetic antifungal agent that inhibits growth of fungus by altering cell membrane permeability, which causes fungal cell death.
Therapy is directed at the underlying condition, with the goal of minimizing symptoms and preventing complications.
Dosing
Adult
Gently massage into affected and surrounding skin areas bid for 2-6 wk
Pediatric
Apply as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
Not for treatment of systemic fungal infections; avoid contact with the eyes; if irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy
Ketoconazole 2% cream (Nizoral)
Imidazole, broad-spectrum antifungal agent indicated for topical treatment of tinea corporis. Inhibits synthesis of ergosterol (main sterol of fungal cell membranes), causing cellular components to leak; result is cell death.
Dosing
Adult
Rub gently into affected area qd or bid for 2-4 wk
Pediatric
Apply as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity; fungal meningitis
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
If sensitivity or irritation develops, discontinue use; for external use only; avoid contact with eyes
Miconazole 2% cream or lotion (Monistat)
Damages fungal cell-wall membrane by inhibiting biosynthesis of ergosterol. Membrane permeability is increased, causing nutrients to leak and resulting in fungal cell death. Lotion is preferred in intertriginous areas. If cream is used, apply sparingly to avoid maceration effects.
Dosing
Adult
Cream and lotion: Cover affected areas bid for 2-6 wk
Powder: Spray or sprinkle liberally over affected area bid
Pediatric
Apply as in adults
Interactions
None reported for topical use
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
If sensitivity or irritation develops, discontinue use; for external use only; avoid contact with eyes
Oxiconazole 1% cream (Oxistat)
Damages fungal cell wall membrane by inhibiting biosynthesis of ergosterol. Membrane permeability is increased, causing nutrients to leak, resulting in fungal cell death.
Dosing
Adult
Apply to affected area qid
Pediatric
Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
If sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs, discontinue use; external use only; avoid contact with the eyes
Sertaconazole 2% cream (Ertaczo)
Topical imidazole antifungal active against T rubrum, T mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum.
Dosing
Adult
Apply topically bid for 2-4 wk
Pediatric
<12 years: Not established
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
For topical use only; may cause dermatitis, dry skin, burning sensation, pruritus, hyperpigmentation, desquamation, or skin tenderness
Sulconazole 1% cream or solution (Exelderm)
Broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits synthesis of ergosterol, causing cellular components to leak and resulting in fungal cell death.
Dosing
Adult
Apply topically to affected area qd for 2-4 wk
Pediatric
<12 years: Not established
>12 years: Administer as in adults
Interactions
None reported
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity
Precautions
Pregnancy
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Precautions
If sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs, discontinue use; use only externally; avoid contact with the eyes
Follow-up
Further Outpatient Care
- Follow-up care should be determined per patient need, severity of infection, and response to treatment.
Inpatient & Outpatient Medications
- See Medication.
Deterrence/Prevention
- Imperative for preventing the spread of a dermatophyte infection is to discourage close contact between infected and noninfected individuals and to stop the sharing of fomites (eg, towels, hats, clothing).
- Because dermatophytes flourish in moist environments, patients should be advised to wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or synthetic materials.
Complications
- The infection may recur if therapy does not result in complete eradication of the organism, such as when patients stop applying topical therapy too soon or if the organism is resistant to the antifungal agent used.
- Reinfection may occur if a reservoir, such as an infected nail or hair follicle, is present. Many, if not most, adult patients with tinea corporis also have tinea pedis and unguium, which should be treated.
Prognosis
- For localized tinea corporis, the prognosis is excellent, with cure rates of 70-100% after treatment with topical azoles or allylamines or short-term or pulse systemic antifungals.
Patient Education
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Skin, Hair, and Nails Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Ringworm on Body.
Multimedia
Media file 1: Annular plaque.
Media file 2: Large, erythematous, scaly plaque.
References
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Sánchez-Castellanos ME, Mayorga-Rodríguez JA, Sandoval-Tress C, Hernández-Torres M. Tinea incognito due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Mycoses. Jan 2007;50(1):85-7. [Medline].
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Keywords
ringworm, dermatophyte infection, Trichophyton species, Microsporum species, Epidermophyton species, Trichophyton rubrum, T rubrum, Microsporum canis, M canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans, T tonsurans, Trichophyton concentricum, T concentricum, Majocchi granuloma, Majocchi's granuloma, tinea imbricata, tinea capitis
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author
Mary Elizabeth Rushing Lott, MD, Senior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, Miami Children's Hospital
Mary Elizabeth Rushing Lott, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Medical Association, and American Medical Student Association/Foundation
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Coauthor(s)
Gwendolyn Zember, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Jack L Lesher Jr, MD, Chief, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia
Jack L Lesher Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Medical Association of Georgia, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and Southern Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Medical Editor
Janet Fairley, MD, Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa
Janet Fairley, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, American Federation for Medical Research, and Society for Investigative Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Pharmacy Editor
Richard P Vinson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA
Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Managing Editor
Rosalie Elenitsas, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Director, Penn Cutaneous Pathology Services, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System
Rosalie Elenitsas, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Dermatopathology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
CME Editor
Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE, Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania
Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology
Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds None; Genentech Consulting fee Consulting; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Centocor Grant/research funds None; Covance Consulting fee Consulting; Shire Consulting
Chief Editor
Dirk M Elston, MD, Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center
Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.