Tinea corporis is a common dermatophytosis that mimics many other annular lesions. 

The aim of a new study published in Drugs in Context was to provide a narrative updated review on the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of tinea corporis.

The present study entailed a PubMed search, that included clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and reviews.

The findings indicated that tinea corporis typically presents as a well-demarcated, sharply circumscribed, oval or circular patch, which may be mildly erythematous, scaly or plaque-like with a raised progressing edge. Mild pruritus is common. The diagnosis is often clinical but can be challenging in cases with prior use of medications, such as calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids. Dermoscopy is a useful and non-invasive diagnostic tool while microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide wet-mount preparations of skin scrapings from the active border of the lesion can confirm the diagnosis. Fungal culture is the gold standard to diagnose dermatophytosis, especially in cases where other tests are inconclusive or the infection is widespread, severe or resistant to treatment.

The standard treatment involves topical antifungals; systemic antifungal treatment is indicated if the lesion is multiple, extensive, deep, recurrent, chronic or unresponsive to topical antifungal treatment, or if the patient is immuno deficient.

Source: Drugs in Context. 2020 Jul 20; 9: 2020-5-6. doi: 10.7573/dic.2020-5-6