Tinea  Corporis Ringworm  of  the  body  is  an  infection  that usually involves the trunk and upper extremities and  is  uncommon  in  temperate  climates. SYMPTOMS—The   lesions   have   raised borders  spread  peripherally  and  clear  centrally. The various forms of this infection are pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Tinea versicolor  involves  the  upper  trunk. TREATMENT—It  is  the  same  as  for  tinea capitis. Tinea Cruris Jock  itch  is  a  fungous  infection  occurring  in the area of the upper inner thighs. Growth of the organisms is favored by obesity and tight clothing and  is  often  recurrent. SYMPTOMS—They  include  severe  itching with  active  erythematous  macules  with  sharp margins  and  cleared  centers. TREATMENT—Aluminum  acetate,  corti- costeroid   lotion,   or   short-term   oral   corti- costeroids may prove effective. Griseofulvin may be indicated in chronic cases. Advise the patient to rinse all soap away and dry thoroughly when bathing. Tinea Pedis Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infec- tion  of  the  feet. SYMPTOMS—Normally the third and fourth interdigital   spaces   are   first   affected   with subsequent  spreading  to  the  plantar  surfaces  of the arch. The lesions appear as macerated areas with  scaling  borders.  When  the  toenails  are involved,  they  become  thickened  and  distorted. Tinea pedis may be mistaken for maceration due to  excessive  sweating. TREATMENT—Keep the feet clean and dry, change socks frequently, and apply an antifungal powder,   ointment,   or   lotion. Tinea Versicolor This  is  a  mild  superficial  fungal  infection  of the skin that occurs normally in the trunk area. Affected  areas  are  resistant  to  tanning,  and the fungus is more likely to occur in individuals who  wear  heavy  clothing  and  tend  to  perspire freely.  It  occurs  most  frequently  in  tropical climates. SYMPTOMS—There   may   be   mild   itching. The   lesions   appear   velvety   and   are   chamois- colored macules that are easily scraped off with the fingernail. The trunk, upper arms, neck, and face  are  often  affected. TREATMENT—Good   skin   hygiene   is essential.  Salicylic  acid  soap  may  be  the  most effective  treatment.  It  recurs  frequently. Scabies This  condition  is  a  parasitic  skin  infection characterized  by  superficial  burrows,  intense pruritus,  and  secondary  inflammation.  The female   itch   mite   burrows   into   the   epidermis and   lays   her   eggs.   The   larva   hatch,   surface, mate,   and   repeat   the   cycle.   Good   hygiene helps  prevent  this  infection.  It  is  readily  trans- mittable. SYMPTOMS—There   is   severe   itching, especially  at  night.  The  male  genitals,  interdigital spaces of the hand, flexor surfaces on the wrist, areola of the breast in women, along the belt line of  the  abdomen,  and  the  area  of  the  lower buttocks are prone to inflammatory lesions. The face  is  rarely  involved  in  adults.  The  burrows  may be identified as fine, dark, wavy lines just beneath the skin. It may be hard to detect the burrows due to  secondary  lesions,  A  needle  may  be  used  to remove the parasite from its burrow to facilitate diagnosis. TREATMENT-General   measures   consist   of vigorous cleansing of papules and vesicles during prolonged   hot   baths.   Apply   an   emulsion   or lotion containing benzocaine and benzyl benzoate from the area of the neck down. Reapply in 3 days to  destroy  the  larvae. Pediculosis Capitis This is an infestation of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard by head lice. It is transmitted by personal contact with such items as combs and hats. Nits attach to the hair, resulting in severe itching. 2-27