Diagnosis: Tinea corporis
Description: Extensive red scaling rash on the back
Morphology: Red,scaly
Site: Back
Sex: M
Age: 67
Type: Clinical
Submitted By: Ian McColl
Differential DiagnosisHistory:
Sometimes tinea corporis is misdiagnosed as eczema and topical steroids are applied for a long period of time.These suppress the body's immune reaction to the fungus which then spreads slowly accross the skin.The advancing edge of the rash will still show scale and this is the area that should be scraped to look for fungus in culture.When the steroid is stopped the rash will immediately flare and pustules may appear at the advancing edge.
This rash will need Griseofulvin or Terbinafine orally to clear it up.Topical therapy is unlikely to be successful.