Ringworms

The medical name for ringworms is tinea corporis. They are not caused by any worm, like its name suggests. In fact ringworm is a fungal infection which is caused by micro-organisms known as dermatophytes. They can affect any part of the body. However, ringworm affected area forms a “ring” like rash which is reddish to brownish in color. Hence, the name “Ringworm” is partly appropriate.

Causes:

Dermatophytes are group of fungi which causes ringworm infection. It can affect both humans and animals. Ringworms can be infested through contaminated soil, infected animals or another person and other household objects like carpets, beddings, etc.

Types of ringworm infection:

This infection can affect any part of the body. The name varies depending on which part this infection is affected-

• Tinea Pedis: Commonly known as “athlete’s foot”, if it occurs on the feet.
• Tinea cruris: Or “jock itch”, if it infects the groin.
• Tinea corposis: When on the body.
• Tinea capitis: when it affects the scalp.

Symptoms:

An infected individual may usually have scaly and bumpy red round patches on the skin, in an irregular ring shape. The affected area may be quite itchy. It may also cause circular bald patches in the case of Tinea capitis. Ringworm infection in nails can cause thickness and discoloration of the nails and also scaling of the palms or soles.

Diagnoses:

Ringworms can be diagnosed by examining skin scraping in the laboratory, or skin biopsy or fungal culture.

However, a ringworm infection can be confused with other skin infection which may or may not be caused by fungus. Hence, proper diagnosis in a ringworm infection is essential.

Treatment:

Clotrimazole and Micomazole are two popular treatment methods for ringworms.

Topical medicines may not work well in most cases, especially the ones that are severe. Ringworms in scalp and nails need oral medication. Itraconazole and fluconazole are considered effective medications for this disease.

Precautions:

Ringworms are highly infectious disease. It’s important to take precautionary measures to avoid this infection.

• Do not walk bare foot on damp areas as ringworms are likely to enter through the feet.
• Do not share towels, clothes, undergarments, sports equipments and sheets.
• If you have the infection, then thoroughly wash the affected area with an anti-fungal soap to avoid the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
• If you suspect ringworm infection, then thoroughly wash clothes in hot water with fungicidal soap.

It is important to administer diagnosis and treatment of ringworms. It needs immediate attention as delay in treatment can spread to other parts of the body and could lead to serious skin conditions.