Overview
Dermatophytoses are superficial fungal infections that have different presentations and are named based on location.
Tinea corporis (ringworm) usually presents with lesions of varying sizes, degree of inflammation and depth of involvement found on the trunk, extremities or face excluding the beard area in men.
Tinea cruris (jock itch) are lesions found on the groin. It may affect the proximal medial thighs and extend to the buttocks and abdomen. The scrotum and penis tend to be unaffected. The red scaling lesions with raised borders have pustules and vesicles at the active edge of infected area.
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) are lesions found in the interdigital spaces (most common), sole of foot, and sides of feet.
Most tinea corporis, cruris and pedis infections can be treated topically. The choice of agent will depend on cost, physician and patient preference. There are few direct comparison studies between agents of different groups; it is difficult to justify choice of one agent over another.
For tinea pedis, treatment is targeted towards control of symptoms and spread to other parts of the body and topical therapy is the preferred route of treatment. Topical keratolytics (eg Salicylic acid, Lactic acid & Urea) may be used in combination with antifungal treatment for hyperkeratotic tinea pedis.
For further information regarding the management of Tinea Corporis, Cruris & Pedis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
Tinea corporis (ringworm) usually presents with lesions of varying sizes, degree of inflammation and depth of involvement found on the trunk, extremities or face excluding the beard area in men.
Tinea cruris (jock itch) are lesions found on the groin. It may affect the proximal medial thighs and extend to the buttocks and abdomen. The scrotum and penis tend to be unaffected. The red scaling lesions with raised borders have pustules and vesicles at the active edge of infected area.
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) are lesions found in the interdigital spaces (most common), sole of foot, and sides of feet.
Most tinea corporis, cruris and pedis infections can be treated topically. The choice of agent will depend on cost, physician and patient preference. There are few direct comparison studies between agents of different groups; it is difficult to justify choice of one agent over another.
For tinea pedis, treatment is targeted towards control of symptoms and spread to other parts of the body and topical therapy is the preferred route of treatment. Topical keratolytics (eg Salicylic acid, Lactic acid & Urea) may be used in combination with antifungal treatment for hyperkeratotic tinea pedis.
For further information regarding the management of Tinea Corporis, Cruris & Pedis, please refer to Disease Algorithm for the Treatment Guideline.
