Abstract: Objective: To compare the related pathogenic factors of widespread tinea corporis and localized tinea corporis or tinea cruris. Methods: The data of 37 patients with widespread tinea corporis and 35 patients with localized tinea corporis or tinea cruris was collected and analyzed. Results: The average duration of the diseases were 584.92±132.52 days in widespread tinea corporis and 67.37±14.54 days in localized tinea corporis or tinea cruris. Out of 37 widespread tinea corporis, 32 had a history of glucocorticoid use and 14 had a history of systemic diseases, and four dermatophyte species (T.rubrum, T.mentagrophytes, M.gypseum, T.tonsurans) were identified. Of the 35 localized tinea corporis or tinea cruris 5 had a history of glucocorticoid use and 3 had a history of systemic diseases, and three dermatophyte species (T.rubrum, T.mentagrophytes, M.gypseum) were identified. There were significant differences in the duration of the diseases, glucocorticoid use and the systemic diseases between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Glucocorticoid use and systemic diseases may be the important risk factors related to widespread tinea corporis 

Key words: widespread tinea corporis, tinea cruris, molecular biological method