Tinea corporis (mycosis)

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: 1F28.Y

Trichophytia corporis superficialis.

Superficial infection with dermatophytes.

  • Children > adults.
  • Immunosuppression is a predisposing factor.

  • Exciter:
    • T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum.
    • Tinea corporis gladiatores is mostly caused by T. tonsurans.
  • Transmission often occurs through cats, hamsters or other pets.

  • Initially follicularly bound pustules, which in the course of time become progressive in size and become erythematous, sharply demarcated, marginally accentuated, pruritic, scaly plaques and asbcending nodules. In severe dissemination, land-map-like figures develop.
  • Especially in immunosuppressed patients, necrosis may also occur.
  • Chronic tinea corporis is often persistent in body folds.
  • Majocchi granuloma --> Tinea corporis involving the hair follicles and producing pustules and nodules.
  • More common: Tinea imbricata, originates in Asia and produces small brownish-red ringworm.

  • Anamnesis (animal contact?, contact with another person who has similiar symptoms?)
  • Clinical appearance
  • Detection of pathogens (recovery of scales: then native preparation and culture)
  • Biopsy with PAS staining
  • Wood light (discrete fluorescence).

  • Possible on the entire integument.

  • Spontaneous healing possible.
  • Often, especially without therapy, highly chronic course.

  1. Voravutinon V. Oral treatment of tinea corporis and tinea cruris with terbinafine and griseofulvin: a randomized double blind comparative study. J Med Assoc Thai 1993;76:388-93.
  2. Farag A, Taha M, Halim S. One-week therapy with oral terbinafine in cases of tinea cruris/corporis. Br J Dermatol 1994;131:684-6.Â