TINEA CORPORIS

Fungal infection of the skin, most common on the exposed surfaces of the
body, namely the face, arms and shoulders. Tinea or ringworm presents
in typical round lesions, which show scaling at the periphery, or in concentric
rings. Usually one or a few lesions are seen and only topical treatment
is necessary. Multiple, large or widespread lesions may be seen
if a patient delays seeking treatment for a long time or is malnourished
or immunosuppressed.
Management of tinea corporis
- An imidazole cream or Whitfield’s ointment twice
daily for a minimum of 4 weeks.
- Continue treatment until one week after symptoms
have cleared.
Multiple, widespread lesions may be treated
systemically:
- Griseofulvin 500 mg once daily for 2 to 6 weeks in
adults or griseofulvin 10 –15 mg/kg once daily for
2 to 6 weeks in children or
- Ketaconazole 200 mg once or twice daily or
itraconazole 200 mg (2 tabs) once daily for 2 to 4
weeks in adults.
- When there is severe itching a mild steroid may be added.