What is the typical clinical presentation of tinea corporis (ringworm) on the body?

What is the typical clinical presentation of tinea corporis (ringworm) on the body?

• A. Vesicular rash with peripheral scaling
• B. Annular, expanding erythematous plaques with peripheral scaling and central clearing
• C. Confluent plaques without central clearing
• D. Pruritic papules with crusting

Answer: (B)

Tinea corporis on the body typically presents as annular, expanding lesions with a scaly, raised border and central clearing. The fungus grows outward from the initial infection, so the edge remains active and inflammatory while the center becomes clearer, producing that ring-like appearance. Pruritus is common, and the border may show erythema and more noticeable scaling. Other patterns don’t fit ringworm as well: a vesicular rash with peripheral scaling isn’t the classic ring shape and center clearing isn’t a defining feature; confluent plaques without central clearing point toward conditions like psoriasis or eczema; pruritic papules with crusting suggest impetigo or dermatitis.

Tinea corporis on the body typically presents as annular, expanding lesions with a scaly, raised border and central clearing. The fungus grows outward from the initial infection, so the edge remains active and inflammatory while the center becomes clearer, producing that ring-like appearance. Pruritus is common, and the border may show erythema and more noticeable scaling.

Other patterns don’t fit ringworm as well: a vesicular rash with peripheral scaling isn’t the classic ring shape and center clearing isn’t a defining feature; confluent plaques without central clearing point toward conditions like psoriasis or eczema; pruritic papules with crusting suggest impetigo or dermatitis.