Tinea corporis is a fungal infection or ringworm of the skin of the neck, trunk, arms and legs. Tinea corporis will cause a circular rash that feels itchy. This condition can be transmitted through direct contact with people with tinea corporis.
Ringworm can occur in all areas of the skin. The name will be adjusted according to its location, for example ringworm on the feet is called tinea pedis, in the groin or groin it is called tinea cruris, and on the scalp it is called tinea capitis. Tinea corporis is generally not a dangerous disease and can be cured.
Causes of Tinea Corporis
The main cause of tinea corporis is a fungal infection dermatophytes, that istrichophyton. This fungus can multiply in keratin tissue, which is hard and water-resistant tissue found in skin, hair, or nails.
Mold dermatophytes can be transmitted in several ways, namely:
- Touching or in direct contact with the skin of people with tinea corporis
- Touching or coming into direct contact with the skin of an infected animal
- Touching or direct contact with objects contaminated with this fungus, such as clothes, sheets, and towels
In addition to the conditions above, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing tinea corporis, including:
- Live in an area with a warm or humid climate
- Have excessive sweating
- Wearing clothes that are too tight or too tight
- Using clothes, sheets, or towels with tinea corporis
- Doing sports that involve direct physical and skin contact, for example wrestling
- Have a weak immune system
- Suffering from diabetes
Symptoms of Tinea Corporis
Symptoms of tinea corporis usually begin to appear 4-10 days after the body is exposed to the fungus. Symptoms consist of:
- A ring or circular rash appears
- Rashes appear on the neck, trunk, arms, hands and legs
- Itchy and scaly skin appears
If the infection is more severe, blisters or pus may appear around the rash.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the above symptoms. Get regular checkups if you have a disease or condition that can increase your risk of developing tinea corporis, such as diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with tinea corporis, the treatment will take a long time. Therefore, you need to carry out regular check-ups according to the schedule recommended by the doctor.
Diagnosis of tinea corporis
To diagnose tinea corporis, the doctor will ask questions about the patient's complaints and medical history. After that, the doctor will examine the skin rash.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform supporting examinations in the form of:
- Examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH), to see the type of fungus that grows on the patient's skin
- Fungal culture, to detect the type of fungus that causes infection in the patient's body
- Wood's lamp, to see changes in skin color that indicate infection with the help of a special lamp
Tinea Corporis Treatment
Treatment of tinea corporis aims to treat infection and prevent complications. The doctor will give you an antifungal cream or ointment. There are several types of antifungals that can be given to treat fungal infections in tinea capitis, namely:
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Econazole
- Ketoconazole
- Terbinafine
If tinea corporis does not go away or gets worse, the doctor will give you an antifungal medication. Follow the instructions and recommendations given by the doctor. Do not stop using the drug indiscriminately.
In addition, people with tinea corporis must also adopt a healthy and clean lifestyle, wear comfortable clothes, and not share towels or clothes with others.
Complications of Tinea Corporis
If left untreated, tinea corporis can cause complications such as:
- Secondary infection of the skin
- Abscess (collection of pus) in the skin
- Inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
Prevention of Tinea Corporis
You can lower your risk of developing tinea corporis by taking the following steps:
- Wash hands, clothes, towels and bed sheets regularly
- Eat nutritious food and exercise regularly
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes
- Change underwear and socks every day
- Check your pet to the vet regularly
- Do not share the use of personal items, such as towels and clothes, with others
- Do regular check-ups with the doctor if you have diabetes