Tinea corporis often has large ring-like, scaly lesions. In dark-skinned patients, the lesions of tinea corporis can be deeply pigmented. Multiple scaly, slightly elevated lesions can merge to form broad reddish-brown areas of skin. This image displays ring-like, red, scaly lesions that are slightly elevated, typical of tinea corporis (fungal skin infection). The scale in tinea corporis is often very fine and seen at the outer edge of the areas of involvement. This image displays scaly, red skin areas forming rings typical of the fungal infection of the skin known as tinea corporis. This early patch of ringworm (tinea) on the leg has the typical circular shape. This image displays tinea manuum (hand fungus) with fine, white scaling and tinea corporis (body ringworm) with a circular lesion above the inner wrist.
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Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)  Information for adults

Picture of Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): Tinea corporis often has large ring-like, scaly lesions. Divider line
Tinea corporis often has large ring-like, scaly lesions.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
In order to confirm the diagnosis of ringworm, your physician might scrape some surface skin material (scales) onto a slide and examine them under a microscope. This procedure, called a KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation, allows the doctor to look for tell-tale signs of fungal infection.

Once the diagnosis of ringworm has been confirmed, your physician will likely start treatment with an antifungal medication. Most infections can be treated with prescription-strength topical creams and lotions, including:
  • Terbinafine
  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole
  • Econazole
  • Oxiconazole
  • Ciclopirox
  • Ketoconazole
  • Sulconazole
  • Naftifine
  • Butenafine
Rarely, more extensive infections or those not improving with topical antifungal medications may require 3–4 weeks of treatment with oral antifungal pills, including:
  • Terbinafine
  • Itraconazole
  • Griseofulvin
  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole
The ringworm should go away within 4–6 weeks after using effective treatment.

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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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