RINGWORM
Ringworm refers to a fungal infection that develops on the top layer of the skin.
- It can affect different part of the body including the skin on the scalp, feet, beard, or other areas.
- Also known as dermatophytosis, or tinea, ringworm infects about 20% of the population at any given time.
- It is called ringworm because the red, itchy rash associated with has a ring-like appearance. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance not become any worm is involved.
- There are different types of ringworm identified by the body part affected.
- Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp and commonly affects children. It appears first as a small sore and then develops into itchy, scaly bad patches. It may spread in schools.
- Tinea corpitis, a fungal infection of the body and appears as the round spots with clearer skin in the middle.
- Tinea cruris, a fungal infection of the groin (jock itch) and is characterized by a reddish-brown colour extending from the groin down to either one or both thighs. It is most common in men and adolescent’s adult.
- Tinea pedis, a fungal infection of the foot (athlete’s foot). It is mostly seen in people that go barefoot in public places where the infection can spread.
- Tinea barbae, a fungal infestation of the facial hair particularly the bearded area of the face and neck. It is often accompanied by itching.
- Tinea manus, a fungal infection of the hands particularly the palms and the spaces between the fingers. It causes thickening of the affected area and is also called tinea Maanum.
- Tinea faciei, a fungal infection of the face excluding the area of beard.
CAUSES
The most common causative agents are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. These fungi are microscopic spores that may live on the soil for an extended period where humans and animal (especially pet cats and dogs) can be infected after direct contact with this soil. An infected person may deposit fungal spores on objects and surfaces when they touch them and anyone who touches such objects and surfaces may become infected. An infected person or animal can also spread to others through direct contact.
The infection is commonly spread among children mostly by sharing items that are not clean.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may depend on the part of the skin infected.
Bearded area
- Redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps
- Swollen glands
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
Scalp Ringworm
- small scaly patches on the scalp
- patches may feel tender or painful and be inflamed
- breakage of hair away or near the hair
Groin infestation
- itchiness in or around the groin
- redness and burning sensation in the affected area
- flaky and scaly skin on the inner thighs
- symptoms may worsen while walking, running, or when a tight clothing is worn
Skin ringworm
- rash with a ring-like appearance
- itchiness under the rash
- Red and an inflamed ring surrounding the outside of the ring.
Signs to be aware of in pets:
- the claw may have some areas that are whitish or opaque
- hairless patches of skin that are ring-like in appearance
- scaly patches.
The following either increases the risk of being infected or make symptoms worse
- Weakened immune system
- Living in a warm, humid climate
- Wearing tight clothing
- Close contact with an infected person
- Share clothing, bedding or towel with an infected person
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Diagnosis may be done after examining the affected area and asking the patient about their medical history and symptoms. If the diagnosis isn’t clear-cut, the doctor may take a small scraping of the affected area and examine it under a microscope to look for characteristics of fungi.
TREATMENT
Mild ringworms may be treated with antifungal medication applied on the skin. For more-severe infections often respond to antifungal pills taken for several weeks.