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 dermatophytes, a type of fungi.

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 (often called ringworm of the body) is a common skin disorder, especially 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. Poor hygiene, long-term wetness of the skin (such as from sweating) and minor skin and nail injuries raise your risk for a fungal infection.

Tinea corporis is contagious. You can catch the condition if you come into direct contact with someone who is infected, or if you touch contaminated items such as combs, clothing, shower floors and walls, or pool surfaces. The fungi can also be spread by pets. (Cats are common carriers).

Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.