Hygiene and Environmental Factors on Recurrent Tinea Corporis in a 41-Year-Old Woman with Obesity: A Case Report

Abstract

Tinea corporis is a recurrent superficial dermatophyte infection influenced by personal hygiene, environmental conditions, and patients' knowledge and treatment adherence. A family medicine approach is essential to identify internal and external risk factors and provide comprehensive, continuous management. This case report describes a 41-year-old housewife who presented to the Long Inpatient Health Center with recurrent erythematous, pruritic patches in the right inguinal region that had relapsed three times within three months due to self-discontinuation of treatment after symptom improvement. Physical examination revealed a body mass index of 26 kg/m² (WHO Asian classification: obesity class I) and well-demarcated erythematous plaques with central healing. Home visits identified a damp living environment with inadequate ventilation as a contributing risk factor. Medical treatment consisted of 2% ketoconazole cream, oral ketoconazole 200 mg for 14 days, and cetirizine 10 mg for pruritus. Non-pharmacological interventions were conducted during three home visits using a family medicine framework, including patient education on the disease, risk factors, and medication adherence; family involvement in treatment supervision and environmental improvement; and community-oriented health promotion recommendations through the local health center. At the third follow-up, the patient demonstrated clinical improvement with reduced pruritus and increased knowledge following educational interventions. This case highlights that a holistic, patient-centered, family-focused, and community-oriented approach can improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient knowledge, promote healthier living conditions, and reduce the risk of recurrence in recurrent tinea corporis.