## Epidemiology of Tinea Corporis in India **Key Point:** Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte causing tinea corporis worldwide, including India, accounting for approximately 60–70% of cases. ### Geographic & Epidemiologic Context T. rubrum has become the predominant anthropophilic dermatophyte in tropical and subtropical regions, displacing T. mentagrophytes in many endemic areas. In India, the shift towards T. rubrum has been documented in multiple epidemiologic studies over the past two decades. ### Why T. rubrum Dominates - **Anthropophilic nature** — spreads efficiently human-to-human - **Environmental persistence** — survives in fomites and skin scales - **Reduced host immunity** — thrives in warm, humid climates - **Adaptation** — has become the default pathogen in tropical settings **High-Yield:** In modern Indian dermatology practice, when tinea corporis is suspected, T. rubrum should be the first organism considered for empiric antifungal choice. ### Clinical Presentation T. rubrum typically presents as: - Annular, scaly lesions with central clearing - Erythematous border - Pruritic plaques on trunk, limbs, and intertriginous areas - Chronic course with slow centrifugal spread **Clinical Pearl:** T. rubrum infections are notoriously difficult to eradicate and often relapse, requiring prolonged topical therapy or systemic antifungals for extensive disease. 
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