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 survive on the top layer of the epidermis or skin called the keratin.  Ringworm is a skin infection caused by this fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or feet.

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 ringworm.  It is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Most mammals have at least one type of fungus, and in most instances the animal and fungus coexist without the animal ever manifesting any symptoms of the fungus. This does not mean that the fungus cannot be transmitted to humans.

Children are particularly vulnerable to tinea corporis ringworm and can pass it effortlessly to other children.  Adults are not immune and can also become infected.  Persons who fall in the high risk category are farmers and people who work with animals that have fur.

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.

Tinea corporis may be acute which means there is a sudden onset and it rapidly spreads.  Or it could be chronic which is a slow broadening of a mild, minimally inflamed, rash.  Most often 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.

Acute tinea corporis shows up as itchy inflamed red patches that may be pustular.  Chronic tinea corporis is more likely to be found in body folds.  Acute tinea corporis has a tendency to be stubborn to treat and prone to recurrence if widespread.  Lessening of natural skin resistance to fungi or because of re-infection from the environment could possibly be the reason for this recurrence.