Tinea Corporis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
What is tinea corporis?
Tinea corporis is a fungal disease of the skin of the body, which includes the extremities except the hands and feet. Symptoms include localized redness of the skin and even tissue fluid-filled pustules or pustules. Usually, the infected skin areas give rise to severe itching. Tinea corporis is one of the most common skin diseases, which can take a mild or severe course depending on the pathogen and the preventive management of the condition. Many cases have a chronic infection with only mild symptoms. Skin fungi, also known as dermatophytes, are aerobic and heterotrophic, meaning their metabolism depends on organic matter for oxygen and nutrients. A common characteristic of skin fungi is their ability to break down and metabolize keratin from dead skin cells. They possess the enzyme keratinase, which in principle is capable of breaking down other proteins such as collagen and elastin to be infectious to humans Dermatophytes can be divided into anthropophilic, zoophilic and geophilic depending on their "preferences" of pathogens. Anthropophilic species specialize in infecting human skin, zoophilic species infect animals, including pets. However, zoophilic dermatophytes can also infect humans. Geophilic species are found almost everywhere in soil and are pathogenic to humans only in exceptional cases.
Tinea corporis cause
Tinea corporis is caused by pathogenic filamentous fungi, classified as fungal fungi or dermatophytes. More than 30 species of fungi are known to cause common fungal infections of the human skin. From pathogens to skin fungi or their spores are almost ubiquitous, an infection that leads to the development of tinea corporis is a weakened immune system. For example, in diabetes mellitus, immune management is weakened by HIV or resistance to artificially suppressed drugs is an increased risk factor. The disease can be transmitted through direct skin contact or contact with shared items such as towels or washcloths, as well as sanitary surfaces. Public sunbathing areas or swimming pools are also frequent sites of infection, as the skin fungus likes warmth and moisture. Infections are therefore particularly persistent in areas of the body that are normally warm and moist, such as between the fingers. Infection with zoophilic dermatophytes can also occur through direct physical contact with infected pets, for example with dogs, cats or hamsters.
Tinea corporis symptoms
Tinea corporis is initially characterized by small round spots on the skin with a diameter of one to two centimeters. Characteristic, but not mandatory, is the marginal tenderness of spots and itching, which can be intense. Additional symptoms of deep infection may develop inflammation. In the case of human-adapted anthropophilic dermatophytes infections, the symptoms are usually weak, so that they often receive little attention and chronic fungal diseases can develop due to untreated treatment. Deep fungal infections can also be accompanied by painful inflammatory reactions. A special form is the so-called tinea corporis gladiatrum, also known as mat burn, which mainly affects martial artists who practice their sport on mats and can cause minor cuts when throwing or falling on the mat, into which certain acute fungi enter. and trigger mat burns
Diagnosis and course of tinea corporis
Common symptoms including itching that seem to indicate tinea corporis may have other causes, such as psoriasis, dry skin, and others. To eliminate a confusion of causes, a skin examination of the affected skin area is done under a light microscope. However, the process may take several weeks. A test using Wood's light, known as a black light, can also provide information. Black light with a wavelength of 365 nanometers in the UV range causes areas of the skin to become infected with certain dermatophytes, causing a greenish-yellow color. Genetic testing of fungal DNA is also possible to accurately identify fungal species.
Tinea corporis complications
If left untreated, tinea corporis can cause severe skin irritation. Severe pain, itching and redness occur which sufferers find extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes there is bleeding. Also, painful blisters and pudules form in the course, which can swell. In the later course, the fungal infection spreads to other areas of the body. The result is scales, papules and sometimes painful abscesses. Tinea corporis can also have long-term psychological effects. Sufferers often suffer from inferiority complex and depressed mood. During treatment with antimiotics, side effects such as nausea, vomiting or headache may occur. Fever and chills as well as kidney and liver damage may occur in very rare cases. In the case of pregnant women and mothers during lactation, the preparation may harm the baby. Also, allergies or intolerances may occur that require further treatment. Improperly applied home and natural remedies can aggravate discomfort and possibly tinea corporis. So it is advisable to discuss the treatment of skin fungal infection with the family doctor or specialist beforehand.
When should you see a doctor for tinea corporis?
The affected person is dependent on medical examination and treatment in case of tinea corporis in any case. Only this can prevent further deterioration of symptoms, and further complications may occur if the disease is left untreated. Therefore, in the case of tinea corporis, a medical professional should be contacted at the first symptoms or complaints of the disease. Self-healing usually does not occur with this disease. Tinea corporis should consult a doctor if the affected person suffers from severe itching of the skin. In most cases, the skin is covered with scars and there may be infection or inflammation in the skin itself. If these symptoms occur, the affected person must consult a doctor. As a rule, tinea corporis also leads to a significant decrease in aesthetics, so that it can also lead to psychological excitement or depression. A psychiatrist should be consulted in this case. Symptoms of tinea corporis are treated by a dermatologist.
Tinea corporis treatment
Basically, both topical and systemic and combination therapies are available for the treatment of tinea corporis. Topical therapy involves local control of the fungal infection with antifungal ointments, tinctures, or powders. Most antifungal agents are targeted at inhibiting esgosterol, an important and essential component of fungal cell membranes. If topical treatment does not achieve the goal because too many body sites are affected, it is also possible to have systemic treatment with antifungal agents by oral administration. However, interactions with other drugs and possible side effects must be considered. In principle, therapies should be continued for three to four weeks after the symptoms have subsided from the fungal infection being able to flare up again (recurrence).
Prevention of tinea corporis
The most important prevention to avoid tinea corporis is to have an intact immune system. If the immune system cannot function optimally due to other diseases or due to artificial immunity or adverse lifestyle, public baths and saunas, such as sites of infection, should be entered only after drying with slippers after bathing. Breathable clothing is also protective. Towels and textiles should be washed at 90 degrees to keep any fungus and germs at bay.
Nursing care of a newly cured patient with tinea corporis
In most cases there is only limited or very limited tinea corporis direct care for the affected individual. For this reason, the affected person should see a doctor at an early stage to prevent the occurrence of other complications and complaints. It is also not possible to cure the disease on its own, so a doctor should be consulted at the first signs and symptoms of the disease. Most sufferers are usually dependent on various medications to reduce or limit symptoms. Care should always be taken to ensure regular and correct dosage intake. If there is any uncertainty or question, a doctor should be consulted first. Similarly, even if there are changes and complaints on the skin, you should contact the doctor. The life expectancy of the affected person is not usually shortened. In some cases, contact with other patients with the disease may also be useful, as this will result in an exchange of information.
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