Tinea corporis

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Dermatitis, reaction to tinea	Granuloma, fungal (Majocchi's)	Granuloma, fungal (Majocchi's)	Ringworm, tinea corporis on an infant's leg
Ringworm, tinea corporis on the leg	Ringworm, tinea manuum on the finger	Ringworm, tinea on the hand and leg	Tinea corporis - ear
Tinea versicolor - close-up	Tinea versicolor - close-up	Tinea versicolor on the back	Tinea versicolor - shoulders

Tinea corporis is a skin infection due to fungi. It is also called ringworm of the body.

See also:

• Tinea capitis
• Tinea cruris (jock itch)
• Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)

Fungal infection - body; Infection - fungal - body; Tinea of the body; Tinea circinata; Ringworm - body

Tinea corporis is a common skin disorder among children. However, it may occur in people of all ages. It is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.

Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. The following raise your risk for a fungal infection:

• Long-term wetness of the skin (such as from sweating)
• Minor skin and nail injuries
• Poor hygiene

Tinea corporis can spread easily to other people. You can catch the condition if you come into direct contact with an area of ringworm on someone's body, or if you touch contaminated items such as:

• Clothing
• Combs
• Pool surfaces
• Shower floors and walls

The fungi can also be spread by pets (cats are common carriers).

Review Date: 10/04/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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