Tinea Corporis Tinea Cruris
Tinea Corporis Tinea Cruris
Tinea corporis is the name given to a fungus infection of the skin also called “ringworm of the body”. This condition often has an impact on children and adults who live in warm, damp environments like tropical climates. The typical appearance of this infection is a circular plaque with a well outlined border. Since tinea corporis can be contagious and it can spread rapidly among children and in settings like day-care centers and schools. It may be passed 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 skin contact has been made. They often develop into a ring-like formation.
Tinea Corporis, Tinea cruris and other tinea infections of this type can usually be cleared up with topical creams. If the infection was spread by an animal, even if it shows no signs of a skin infection treatment will need to be administered to the animal also. Tinea corporis is a superficial dermatophyte infection. Ringworm is the more common term used for Tinea corporis infection with is caused by dermatophytes. Dermatophyte infections can be distinguished by either inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions on the skin. Tinea corporis looks like a rash that forms one-half to one-inch, ring-shaped, pink or red patches with a clear center. A slightly itchy rash may accompany the other symptoms.
Jock itch or Tinea cruris appears around the groin area but not normally on the penis and develops into a red, ring-like rash. Jock itch can be unbearably itchy and form small, painful blisters. This type of ringworm can cause itching or a burning sensation in areas of the groin, thigh skin folds, or anus. It may also affect the inner thighs and genital areas. 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. 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.
Tinea corporis on the other hand 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. Dermatophyte infections can be a nuisance but normally do not present any serious or life threatening repercussions.
Antifungal Jock Itch Ringworm
Antifungal Jock Itch Ringworm
As many as one in five Americans have a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. When talking about the number of people affected, the overall rate of recurrence is surpassed only by acne. The most common dermatophytic infection in the United States is athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. Jock itch follows very closely behind. In some cases it is the athlete’s foot infection that is unwittingly spread to the groin causing tinea cruris or jock itch. Jock itch, ringworm, tinea of the groin are all phrases referring what people commonly call “jock itch “around the world.
There are several types of ringworm or tinea infections. They are as follows: Tinea barbae: ringworm of the bearded area of the face and neck, Tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp, Tinea corporis: fungus that attacks the skin of the body, Tinea cruris: Tinea of the groin (“jock itch”) Tinea faciei: ringworm on the face except in the area of the beard, Tinea manus: ringworm of the hands Tinea pedis: Athlete’s foot and Tinea unguium: fungus of the nails.
Tinea of the groin tends to have a reddish-brown color and to extend from the folds of the groin down onto one or both thighs. There are other conditions that are often confused with tinea cruris and they include yeast infections, psoriasis, and intertrigo, a chafing rash which results from the skin rubbing against the skin.
In most cases, ringworm infections of the skin can be treated with antifungal creams or ointments. Antifungal cream can be found in several varieties. Even if using an antifungal jock itch ringworm can reoccur. It is important to follow the directions when treating the infection. Pay particular attention to keep from contaminating whatever product is used to treat the jock itch infection. This is often blamed for incidences of re-infection. When suffering from both athlete’s foot and ringworm affecting both of the groin and legs, both infections should be treated. This will prevent re-infection from recurring in the legs or groin. With athlete’s foot fungus, use caution when putting on underclothing to keep from spreading it to the groin area.
Good health does not stop people from contracting this infection. It is noted that these infections occur more often in teenagers and young adults. However, jock itch is more likely to show up if a person has a suppressed immune system or is experiencing hormonal imbalances.
Antifungal Creams Ringworm
Antifungal Creams Ringworm
In most cases, ringworm infections of the skin can be treated with antifungal creams or ointments. Antifungal cream can be found in several varieties. There are an assortment of active ingredients are available in these products. The active ingredients more commonly seen include miconazole, econazole, clotrimazole, and tioconazole. Another typical factor found in most antifungal creams is that it contains a second active ingredient to reduce itching. There are several products available without a prescription. A nonprescription antifungal cream with miconazole or clotrimazole is an option of the available choices. Some of the brand names include Micatin, Tinactin, Monistat, and Lotrimin. Terbinafine cream is also available without a prescription. Another highly effective cream is sold under the All Stop brand and is also available without a prescription.
When using an antifungal cream to treat ringworm first wash the infected area with soap and water, remove flaky skin, and dry thoroughly. For large areas of blistered sores, use compresses to soothe and dry out the blisters. Apply antifungal cream beyond the edge or border of the fungal infection. The directions on the package should be followed. Continue using the medicine even if your symptoms go away. Treatment will probably need to be continued for at least 2 to 4 weeks.
Sharing antifungal cream is not suggested. If you share antifungal creams ringworm infections can be passed to someone else. Do not touch the tube of medicine unless your hands are clean. Care should be used when applying antifungal cream on yourself or other people. This is recommended to avoid transferring the infection to other areas of the body and to other people. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying. The best way is to squeeze out the amount of cream needed on a tissue, this way the medicine is not contaminated. Something else to keep in mind if you use creams regularly is to check the expiration date to make sure the medication is still good.
To prevent ringworm from returning after treatment, apply talcum or other drying powder to the affected area on a daily basis. After having tried your choice of topical antifungal creams ringworm symptoms should be alleviated. If the infection is widespread, prescription antifungal pills may be the next option.
When suffering from both athlete’s foot and ringworm affecting both of the groin and legs, both infections should be treated. This will prevent re-infection from recurring in the legs or groin. With athlete’s foot fungus, use caution when putting on underclothing to keep from spreading it to the groin area. In most cases the infection can easily be eliminated with antifungal creams, ringworm is no exception.
