Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Tinea corporis or psoriasis?
I am attaching pictures. Since last month I have been facing this issue. Sometimes I feel itchy. Also these spots are there on the stomach and chest and also in the armpit which looks like small spots like reddish sometimes like ringworm type. In the pic I have attached is on the groin area and the other one on the belly button area. Doctor prescribed and said tinea he gave itraconazole tablet and soap along with eberconazole cream also using zocon powder. It's been almost 15 days now and it's not healed yet. Kindly help and suggest. Is it psoriasis or tinea ?
Answers (29)
Looking at both your images, the lesions appear more consistent with tinea (fungal infection) rather than psoriasis â the scaly, demarcated patches with spread across groin and abdomen are typical. The fact that it is not responding after 15 days suggests either the duration is not long enough (tinea corporis usually needs 3-4 weeks of treatment) or there is a resistant fungal strain involved. Psoriasis would typically show thick silver scales on specific areas and a different pattern.
Next Steps
Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation â I can assess whether the current treatment needs to be continued longer, changed, or if a dermatologist review is needed.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
It looks like fungal infection. Take tab ketoconazole 200mg one daily for 10 days.
Apply cosvate g.m. ointment over it, twice daily for 4 weeks.
Use canisten dusting powder after shower and during changing clothes.
Wear lose cotton clothes, keep dry.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
this is surely a Teania you must have discontinued the treatment in between before
Next Steps
take tab fluconazole 200 mg OD x 30 days
l/a of luliconazole cream
tab fexofenadine od hs x 10 days
change your cloths daily and keep the groin area dry
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
No need to worry this looks like stubborn tinea corporis👍
The scaly, spreading patches in groin, belly button & other areas that aren’t clearing after 15 days of treatment are typical when the fungus is a bit resistant or needs stronger different therapy.
Book a quick consultation with me now I’ll review your photos, suggest the right next medicines possibly different antifungal or combination, and give you a clear plan for faster healing. 😊
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
The lesions in the groin and body folds appear more suggestive of a fungal infection (tinea/intertrigo) than classic psoriasis, although a definitive diagnosis cannot be made from photos alone.
Fungal infections in these areas may take 3–6 weeks or longer to clear completely, especially if extensive.
Since there has been no significant improvement after 15 days of treatment, I would recommend you to
Kindly consult for treatment related options
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Partially treated/resistant tinea (very common nowadays)
Less likely psoriasis based on this image alone
Next Steps
* Continue antifungal treatment as prescribed unless your dermatologist advised stopping.
* Keep the area dry, avoid tight clothing/sweating.
* Do not use steroid combination creams (like clobetasol/betamethasone mixes), as they worsen fungal infection.
* Wash towels/undergarments separately and change daily.
* If no improvement after 3–4 weeks, you may need:
* KOH scraping/fungal test
* Longer oral antifungal course
* Evaluation for diabetes/immunity issues
Health Tips
You can consult me for any query.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by thick, silvery-white scales, which does not match these lesions.
The presentation—characterized by red, circular, ring-like patches with raised borders that itch and spread in high-moisture areas (groin, armpits, abdomen)—is a classic case of Tinea Corporis (Fungal Ringworm Infection).
Fungal infections are stubborn and typically require 4 to 6 weeks of consistent, uninterrupted medical treatment to clear completely from the roots. 15 days is simply too short a time to see full resolution.
Next Steps
kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
The reddish, ringworm-like lesions with active borders localized to high-moisture body folds (groin, axillae, umbilicus) are classic for a dermatophyte infection. Psoriasis typically presents with well-demarcated, thick plaques with silvery-white scales on extensor surfaces, which does not align with this patient's symptoms.
The fact that the patient has seen no significant improvement after 15 days of oral itraconazole and topical eberconazole is increasingly common due to the rise of drug-resistant dermatophytes, or it may simply be that the infection requires a longer course to achieve clinical clearance.
Next Steps
Antifungal Resistance: There is a well-documented, surging prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton indotineae strains that exhibit partial or high resistance to oral triazoles (like itraconazole). Inadequate Treatment Duration: Tinea infections in deep body folds routinely require 4 to 6 weeks of continuous therapy for complete mycological cure. Fifteen days is often insufficient to witness substantial regression in resistant cases. Local Microenvironment: High humidity, sweat retention, and friction in the groin and belly button areas create a highly favorable environment for fungal replication, actively countering the efficacy of topicals.
Health Tips
you should consult dermatologist
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.