Managing Tinea Corporis in a 15-Year-Old Female – Village Dermatology Katy & Houston, Texas
By: Dr. Ashley Baldree
At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, Texas, we frequently evaluate and treat patients with fungal skin infections, commonly known as tinea corporis (ringworm). This case highlights the management of a 15-year-old female presenting with persistent tinea corporis on her hands, and illustrates the importance of follow-up care and tailored treatment plans.
Patient Presentation
The patient presented with red, persistent patches on the right dorsal hand and peri-hand regions. She was initially prescribed fluconazole 150 mg weekly for 2 weeks and ketoconazole 2% cream twice daily, with instructions to continue the cream for an additional week after resolution of flares.
At her follow-up visit, the patient and her mother reported minimal improvement despite compliance with therapy.
Examination Findings
On examination, she was well-nourished, alert, and in no distress. A dermatoscope evaluation of both hands revealed persistent erythematous, scaly lesions consistent with tinea corporis.
Impression & Plan
While antifungal treatment typically resolves tinea corporis within weeks, this case demonstrated slower improvement, likely due to underlying hand dermatitis complicating recovery.
The updated treatment plan included:
Fluconazole 150 mg weekly for an additional 2 weeks
Continuation of ketoconazole cream twice daily
If no improvement in 2 weeks: initiate clobetasol cream BID Monday–Friday and tacrolimus ointment BID on weekends for suspected dermatitis.
Long-term counseling on hand hygiene, antifungal use, and recurrence prevention.
Counseling & Education
Patients were counseled on:
Skin care: Topical antifungals are effective in most cases; oral antifungals are used for resistant or widespread infections.
Expectations: Tinea corporis is contagious, often associated with pets, warm climates, and moisture. Cure rates are excellent, but recurrence risk is high.
Sun protection: Broad spectrum sunscreen helps minimize post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from healing lesions.
When to contact clinic: If lesions spread, worsen, or fail to improve despite treatment.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring and tailored therapy for fungal infections like tinea corporis, particularly when complicated by dermatitis. At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of pediatric and adult skin conditions with evidence-based and patient-centered care.
If you or your child has persistent rashes, fungal infections, or skin lesions, schedule a consultation with our Katy or Houston dermatology office today.
