Tinea corporis

Alternative names:

fungal infection of the body; fungal skin infection; infection - fungal (body); tinea circinata; tinea of the body

Symptoms:

• itching of the affected area
• skin lesion, rash
  • on the arms, legs, face, trunk (usually exposed body areas)
  • ring shaped
  • reddened patch (skin, abnormally dark or light)
  • borders advance and spread and the center clears
  • borders appear scaly, distinct

Signs and tests:

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin.

A Wood's lamp fluorescence test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A KOH (potassium hydroxide) test may be performed, in which skin scrapings are dissolved in KOH and then examined under a microscope. This test is commonly performed because it is easy to perform and results are immediately available. A skin lesion biopsy with microscopic examination or culture to look for dermatophytes may be perfromed. This test may not be necessary in all cases.