Tinea Corporis Emedicine

In discussions of infections such as Tinea Pedis and Tinea corporis Emedicine states that these fungal infections occurs worldwide. Tinea pedis is the most common type in the United States and in the rest of the world. According to Emedicine Tinea capitis, which is ringworm of the head, is the most common dermatophyte infection of childhood.  Tinea corporis on the other hand is present in all ages, although it is seen more frequently in adolescents and pregnant females.  Onychomycosis is a common problem, especially in adults. In a survey in the United States, the occurrence of onychomycosis was approximately 3% in males and 1.4% in females. Emedicine goes on to state that in a sample of North American children, 0.44% had onychomycosis.

Fungal infection concerns all races, but the frequency of organisms differs by country.  Both sexes are touched by fungal infection. Though in some cases like Tinea cruris the infection is much more commonly found in males.  This is because of the male anatomy is prone to and allows moisture to accumulate in the crural folds. Fungal infection can also affect all ages. Tinea capitis mainly is found in children but adults are not immune

Tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis predominantly affect the adult population. 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 contact with infected hair brushes, towels, etc. 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.

Tinea corporis may result from contact with infected humans, animals, or inanimate objects. Persons such as farm workers, zookeepers, laboratory workers and veterinarians have a higher exposure rate to possible infection from animals. Gardening or contact with animals provides opportunities for infection as well as contact sports and sports facilities exposure.

Tinea corporis can manifest in a variety of ways.   Infection signs are typically noticed on the exposed skin of the trunk and extremities.  Tinea Corporis is characterized by annular scaly plaques with raised edges, pustules, and vesicles. This is usually tinea imbricata (Trichophyton concentricum).Tinea corporis gladiatorum is seen on the head, neck, and arms, in a pattern consistent with the areas of skin-to-skin contact often seen in contact sports such as wrestling.