Ringworm is actually a generalised term used to describe skin infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes. The condition is called ringworm not because it has anything to do with parasites, but because it tends to leave a red, ring-like rash on the surface of the skin.
Like many fungal infections, ringworm is contagious and can be easily passed on through skin contact with others, by sharing objects such as bedding and towels or even by infected soil. It can also be passed on from pets such as cats and dogs.
Ringworm is in fact a common condition - current figures estimate that 10-20 of people will experience a fungal skin infection during their lifetime.
Types of Ringworm
There are many different types of ringworm or fungal skin infections, but the two main categories are defined by the part of the body it affects:
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
This type of ringworm is relatively rare in adults, it mostly affects pre-pubescent children. The reason for this is that during puberty, a chemical change occurs in your scalp glands which make them less susceptible to fungi.
Those at highest risk are children living in urban environments, especially those of Afro-Caribbean descent (why it affects this cultural group is unknown). Adults can be carriers of scalp ringworm without developing any symptoms because they\'ve developed a natural immunity - they can however pass the infection onto children, who will suffer the symptoms.
Body Ringworm
Here there is a broad list of different ringworm types affecting varying body areas:
? Skin (tinea corporis)
? Groin (tinea cruris or \'jock itch\')
? Nails
? Feet (here it is termed Athlete\'s Foot)
Body ringworm affects people of all ages, although groin infections are most commonly experienced by young men.
Causes of Ringworm
The fungi that causes ringworm, known as dermatophytes, is particularly attracted to a type of tissue known as keratin - this is a tough, waterproof tissue found in many parts of your body, including your hair, nails and outer skin surfaces.
Dermatophytes are microscopic spores which are invisible to the naked eye. They are hardy and can survive for months on the surface of your skin, in the soil or on common household objects.
As with most fungi, it thrives in moist, warm conditions.
Recognising Symptoms
Scalp Ringworm
The main symptoms for scalp ringworm are as follows:
? Small patches of scaly skin on the scalp, which may be sensitive or sore.
? Itchy scalp.
? Patchy hair loss.
More severe symptoms include:
? A rash.
? Crusting on the scalp.
? Pustules on the scalp.
? A large inflamed lesion known as a Kerion.
? Fever.
? Swollen throat glands (lymph nodes).
Body Ringworm
Skin ringworm of the body includes:
? A red, irritated ring-like rash.
? The rings may multiply and grow in size or rings can merge together.
? The rings will feel slightly raised to the touch and the skin under the rash may feel itchy.
? Blisters and pustules can form around the rings.
Treating Ringworm
Scalp ringworm is commonly treated using antifungal tablets - while you can buy these over the counter at a pharmacist, it\'s best to let your GP have a look as the antifungal medicine you\'ll need will depend on the type of fungi causing your infection.
Then there\'s antifungal shampoo, available over the counter - while this won\'t cure the scalp infection, it can help prevent it from spreading to others and could speed up your recovery time.
When it comes to body ringworm, most infections can be treated by antifungal cream which is available at any pharmacy. The cream will generally be applied daily to affected areas of your skin for two weeks; however your GP or pharmacist might advise you to keep using it for a further two weeks to reduce the risk of re-infection. You\'ll definitely want to visit your GP if the symptoms don\'t improve after a two weeks of treatment, in which case they will prescribe more aggressive antifungal tablets.
Self Care for Treatment and Prevention
As with most fungal infections, good hygiene goes a long way when it comes to prevention and treatment - the following are the main steps to take:
? Avoid touching the affected area.
? Wash any affected areas of skin daily and dry thoroughly afterwards, paying special attention between your toes and in between skin folds.
? Wash clothes, bed linen and towels frequently to get rid of the fungi spores.
? Wear loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of cotton or other natural materials (fungi like warm places, so anything tight fitting is potentially their haven).
Prognosis
All in all ringworm is fairly common and in most cases far from severe. With some sound hygiene practises and the use of effective fungal medication, this type of infection can be swiftly nipped in the bud.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
About the Author
Maria Bantellis is a medical student and ringworm researcher.
