What type of skin lesion is characterized by a crusted appearance and is associated with a fungal infection?

The correct answer is a skin lesion characterized by a crusted appearance and associated with a fungal infection. Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, presents as an itchy, erythematous, and often crusted lesion. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi and can affect various parts of the skin. The crusted nature of the lesions is due to the inflammatory response and the skin's attempt to heal itself from the infection, which can lead to scabbing as it progresses.

The other options differ significantly in their characteristics and underlying causes. Actinic keratosis typically appears as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin, indicating precancerous changes rather than a fungal infection. Basal cell carcinoma can present in various forms, including nodular, superficial, and ulcerative, but it is primarily a skin cancer with a distinct presentation that does not align with fungal infections. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that often appears as an irregularly pigmented mole and is not related to fungal processes. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why tinea corporis is the correct choice for this question.