Tinea Corporis caused by Trichophyton rubrum

Tinea Corporis Caused by Trichophyton rubrum: Overview and Treatment

Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin caused by microorganisms of the Trichophyton species. One of the most common fungal species that cause this type of skin infection is Trichophyton rubrum, which is believed to be responsible for up to 90% of tinea corporis infections.

Tinea corporis is a superficial fungal infection that can affect any part of the body, particularly the trunk, arms, and legs, and usually presents as an annular or circular rash with a sharp, clearly-defined border.

Patients with tinea corporis typically experience itching and redness of the skin, which can be mild or severe depending on the individual. If left untreated, the rash can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe symptoms.

Treatment of Tinea Corporis

Because tinea corporis is caused by a fungus, it is important to use an antifungal medication to treat the infection. The most commonly prescribed antifungal medications for Tinea corporis are Imidazoles (such as clotrimazole), Allylamines (such as terbinafine) and Liquorico acid derivatives (such as naftifine). Short courses of oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole, may also be used in more severe cases.

It is also important to keep the infected area clean and dry and to avoid tight-fitting clothing, as this can enhance the risk of infection. Over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments may be used to reduce the itching and redness associated with tinea corporis.

Prevention of Tinea Corporis

In order to prevent tinea corporis, it is important to avoid direct contact with anyone who has tinea corporis or other fungal infections. It is also important to avoid sharing clothing or towels and to wash and dry feet properly after walking barefoot.

It is also important to keep the skin clean and dry and to wear loose-fitting clothing, especially in hot, humid environments that tend to be favorable for the growth of fungal organisms. Lastly, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as thorough hand-washing.