Tinea Corporis Tinea Cruris
Tinea is the fungus that causes ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot or in medical terms tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis respectively. These infections are typically not serious, but they can be extremely uncomfortable. They can be contracted by touching or contact with an infected person, from damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even from a pet.
Tinea corporis, is the name given to a fungus infection of the skin also called “ringworm of the body,” and often affects children and adults who live in hot, humid climates. The typical appearance of this infection is a circular plaque with a well outlined border. Since tinea corporis can be asymptomatic, it can spread rapidly among children and in day-care and school settings. It may be spread from person to person, from contact with an infected animal, most often a cat, or from exposure to fungus in the soil. Itchy red scaly patches come up anywhere the animal has rubbed. They often develop into a ring. This kind of tinea usually clears up with appropriate creams. If the condition was transferred by an animal, even if it has no signs of a skin problem the animal will need to be treated also.
Tinea cruris is usually referred to as “jock itch,” because as this condition implies, it causes itching or a burning sensation in areas of the groin, thigh skin folds, or anus. It may involve the inner thighs and genital areas. Unlike yeast infections, tinea cruris generally does not involve the scrotum or the penis. It is very common and affects men more often than women and rarely affects children.
The itchy red patches will spread in the warm moist areas of the body. Variations of red, tan, or brown coloration may appear in the infected areas. Flaking, rippling, peeling, or cracking skin will also be present. Tinea cruris is often treated with antifungal drugs topically applied. Topical therapy is adequate in most patients with tinea cruris. Oral therapy is the preferred treatment in cases where the infection spreads to the lower thighs or buttocks,. Customarily creams containing anti-fungal agents work by deterring the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is a necessary part of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially blocked, the cell is no longer able to produce an intact cell membrane. This effectively kills the fungus.
Tinea Corporis Pregnancy
The term tinea corporis is the medical term for ringworm, which refers to round or oval red scaly patches on the skin. They are often seen to be less red and scaly in the middle or even look healed at the center. It is common for one ring to develop inside another preexisting ring. Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or feet.
Tinea corporis pregnancy concern is that women of childbearing age are more likely to develop tinea corporis as a result of their greater frequency of contact with infected children. Children are particularly vulnerable to tinea corporis infection and can pass it effortlessly to other children. Adults are not immune and can also become infected. Tinea corporis occurs in both men and women. Persons who fall in the high risk category are farmers and people who work with animals that have fur.
Tinea corporis is contagious. The condition can be contracted if you come into direct contact with someone who is infected, or if you touch contaminated items. Tinea corporis (ringworm) is the name used for superficial skin infections of the trunk, legs or arms of a dermatophyte fungus. Dermatophytes are a group of related fungi that infect and live on the top layer of the epidermis. Dermatophyte infections do not result in significant mortality, but they can greatly affect quality of life.
There are three groups of fungi that cause skin infection of this type and can be categorized according to their preferred host sources, geophile or fungi from soil sources, zoophile or fungi from animals, anthropophile or fungi from humans
The fungi transmitted primarily through contact with animals or zoophile is usually responsible for tinea corporis contagious infection. It is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
Acute tinea corporis appears as itchy inflamed red patches that may be pustular. Chronic tinea corporis is more likely to be found in sweaty body folds. Acute tinea corporis has a tendency to be hard to treat and will more than likely recur.
Tinea corporis may arrive with a sudden onset and then spread rapidly. Or it could be chronic which is a slow broadening of a mild, minimally inflamed, rash. It affects exposed areas but could also spread from other infected sites. Non-fungal conditions that resemble tinea corporis include impetigo, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Discoid eczema, Lichen simplex, Contact allergic dermatitis and Pityriasis rosea.
Tinea Capitis Symptoms
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is a very common fungal infection among children throughout the world. Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes cause scalp ringworm by superficially infecting certain kinds of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. This forms the crusty, scaly patches related with scalp ringworm.
According to Wikipedia, tinea capitis symptoms to watch for are thickened, scaly, and sometimes boggy swellings, or expanded raised red rings (ringworm). Common symptoms are severe itching of the scalp, dandruff, and bald patches where the fungus has rooted itself in the skin. It often presents identically to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis in African American children. The highest incidence is in African American boys of school age.
In the United States, an estimated 3-8% of the population is affected by scalp ringworm. Some people can be carriers of the organism and spread it to others in the household. In other countries, an estimated 9.6% of people are affected, and nearly 40% can be carriers.
Children from four to fourteen years are the most likely to develop tinea capitis symptoms, although it can occasionally appear in adults. Scalp ringworm is seen most frequently in urban areas among people with low incomes living in overcrowded conditions. This disease also tends to be more severe in children suffering from weakened immune systems, such as those with afflictions like diabetes, AIDS, or cancer.
Tinea capitis may be extremely persistent, and it may return after treatment. It has been found that in many cases it goes away on its own as a person reaches puberty. Good general hygiene is a key factor to prevent and treat tinea infections. Shampoo the scalp regularly and avoid contact with infected pets or people. Do not exchange headgear, combs or brushes, and like items.
Anti-fungal medications, taken by mouth, are used to treat the infection. There are several different options that are often used to treat this condition. Suggestions for prevention include things like keeping the area clean. Using a medicated shampoo, with ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, may reduce the spread of infection. It may be necessary for other family members and pets to be examined and treated.
A health care provider may suspect scalp ringworm by the tinea capitis symptoms on the scalp but tests should be done to confirm the diagnosis. Tests may include skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination or culture or a Wood’s lamp test to confirm a fungal scalp infection.
