Fungal skin infection (Ringworm): Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factor, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Fungal skin infection (Ringworm)
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Fungal skin infection (Ringworm)

• Ringworm infection  can affect both humans and
  animals. The infection initially presents with
  red patches on affected areas of the skin and
  later spreads to other parts of the body. The
  infection may affect the skin of the scalp, feet,
  groin, beard, or other areas.
• The infection is caused by fungus, not any worm
• Ringworm occurs in people of all ages, but it is
  particularly common in children.
• It occurs most often in warm, moist climates.
  Ringworm is a contagious disease and can be
  passed from person to person by contact
  with infected skin areas or by sharing combs and
  brushes, other personal care items, or clothing.
• It is also possible to become infected with
  ringworm after coming in contact with locker room
  or pool surfaces.
• The infection can also affect dogs and cats, and
  pets may transmit the infection to humans.

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Symptoms of ringworm

• Symptoms vary depending on where youre
  infected. With a skin infection, Following
  symptoms may be seen
• Red, itchy, scaly, or raised patches
• Patches that develop blisters or begin to ooze
• Patches that may be redder on the outside edges
  or resemble a ring
• Patches with edges that are defined and raise
• If ringworm is experienced in nails, they may
  become thicker or discoloured, or they may begin
  to crack.
• If the scalp is affected, the hair around it may
  break or fall off, and bald patches may develop.

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Diagnosis of ringworm

• A ringworm id diagnosed by simple physical
  examination, but in certain cases some other
  tests may be done. Which include
• Skin biopsy or fungal culture, where doctor will
  take a sample of the skin or discharge from a
  blister and check it for the presence of fungus.
• KOH exam, in this case doctor will scrape off a
  small area of infected skin and place it in
  potassium hydroxide (KOH). The KOH destroys
  normal cells and leaves the fungal cells
  untouched, so theyre easy to see under a
  microscope.

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Types of ringworms

• Ringworm can have different names depending on
  the part of the body affected.
• Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) often
  starts as small sores that develop into itchy,
  scaly bald patches. It is most common among
  children.
• Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) often
  appears as patches with the characteristic round
  ring shape.
• Jock itch (tinea cruris) refers to ringworm
  infection of the skin around the groin, inner
  thighs, and buttocks. It is most common in men
  and adolescent boys.
• Athletes foot (tinea pedis) is the common name
  for ringworm infection of the foot. It is
  frequently seen in people who go barefoot in
  public places where the infection can spread,
  such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

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Causes of ringworm

• Three different types of fungi can cause this
  infection. They are called trichophyton,
  microsporum, and epidermophyton.
• These fungi may live for an extended period as
  spores in soil. Humans and animals can contract
  ringworm after direct contact with this soil.
• The infection can also spread through contact
  with infected animals or humans. The infection is
  commonly spread among children and by sharing
  items that may not be clean.

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Risk factors of ringworm

• Anyone can get ringworm infection. But, the
  infection is very common among children and
  people who own pet cats. Both cats and dogs can
  catch ringworm and then pass it on to humans who
  touch them.
• People may develop ringworm if they come into
  contact with the fungi while they are wet or have
  minor skin injuries or abrasions. Using a public
  shower or public pool areas may also expose
  anyone to the infective fungi.
• Being barefoot often, ringworm of the feet
  (athletes foot) may be developed. Those who
  often share items such as hairbrushes or unwashed
  clothing also have an increased risk of
  developing the infection

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Treatment of ringworm

• Tropical treatment- Use of antifungal cream
  externally can cure ringworms in two weeks. Some
  of such creams may include contain clotrimazole
  (Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotrimin cream,
  lotion, and solution), miconazole (Monistat-Derm
  cream), ketoconazole (Nizoral cream), econazole
  (Spectazole), naftifine (Naftin) etc.
• Systematic treatment- Some cases may not respond
  to external treatment. In such cases anti-fungal
  tablet may be given, which may include
  terbinafine, itraconazole (Sporanox), and
  fluconazole (Diflucan). Oral medications are
  usually given for a three-month course.
• Ringworm is a preventable codition, certain
  treatment and prevention can cure a patient in 2
  weeks to 1 month.

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