16/07/2022
RINGWORM
Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. Fungi can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothes, towels, and bedding. Meanwhile, approximately 40 different species of fungi can cause ringworm; the scientific names for the types of fungi that cause ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. However, it is called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy. Ringworm goes by many names. The medical terms are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.”
Also, other names for ringworm are based on its location on the body. Areas of the body that can be affected by ringworm include:
1. Feet (tinea pedis, commonly called “athlete’s foot”)
2. Groin, inner thighs, or buttocks (tinea cruris, commonly called “jock itch”)
3. Scalp (tinea capitis)
4. Beard (tinea barbae)
5. Hands (tinea manuum)
6. Toenails or fingernails (tinea unguium, also called “onychomycosis”)
7. Other parts of the body such as arms or legs (tinea corporis)
SYMPTOMS of RINGWORM
The Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. However, the symptoms of ringworm often depend on which part of the body is infected, but they generally include:
• Itchy skin
• Ring-shaped rash
• Red, scaly, cracked skin
• Hair loss
Based on the location of the body, the symptoms of ringworm include:
1. Feet (tinea pedis or “athlete’s foot”): The symptoms of ringworm on the feet include red, swollen, peeling, and itchy skin between the toes (especially between the pinky toe and the one next to it). The sole and heel of the foot may also be affected. In severe cases, the skin on the feet can blister.
2. Scalp (tinea capitis): Ringworm on the scalp usually looks like a scaly, itchy, red, circular bald spot. The bald spot can grow in size and multiple spots might develop if the infection spreads. Ringworm on the scalp is more common in children than it is in adults.
3. Groin (tinea cruris or “jock itch”): Ringworm on the groin looks like scaly, itchy, red spots, usually on the inner sides of the skin folds of the thigh.
4. Beard (tinea barbae): Symptoms of ringworm on the beard include scaly, itchy, red spots on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck. The spots might become crusted over or filled with pus, and the affected hair might fall out.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION OF RINGWORM
The fungi that cause ringworm dwell on the skin and in the environment. Moreover, there are three main ways that ringworm can spread:
1. From an infected person
2. From an infected animal
3. From the environment.
TREATMENTS for RINGWORM
Choice of treatment for tinea capitis is determined by the species of fungus concerned, the degree of inflammation, and in some cases, by the immunologic and nutritional status of the patient.
Goals of Therapy
1. To reduce morbidity
2. To prevent complications.
