Tinea Corporis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyCutaneous InfectionTinea CorporisSCE Dermatology

A 29-year-old man presents with an annular, erythematous, scaly patch on his right forearm. The edge is raised and advancing while the centre is clearing. KOH preparation shows septate branching hyphae. What is the most appropriate first-line treatment?

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Correct answer: C — Topical terbinafine cream

For localised tinea corporis (dermatophyte infection) in immunocompetent patients, topical antifungals are first-line. Topical terbinafine applied once or twice daily for 1-2 weeks is effective. Oral antifungals are reserved for extensive, recurrent, or treatment-resistant disease. The annular morphology with active raised border and central clearing, plus positive KOH showing septate branching hyphae, is classic for dermatophyte infection. Topical corticosteroids alone would worsen the infection (tinea incognito).

Reference: BAD 2014 Guidelines for management of tinea corporis