Overview
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can happen to anyone.
You might be thinking if it's a fungal infection, why is it called ring"worm"? That's because of its shape. When a patch of skin is infected by ringworm, the patch of skin looks like a ring, with infection on the border and clear skin in between.
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It is a red, itchy, circular patch on any part of the skin. It's given various names when infection is in various regions.
| Body Part | Scientific Name | Common Name |
| Body | tinea corporis | Ringworm of body |
| Groin | tinea cruris | Jock itch |
| Scalp | tinea capitis | ringworm of the scalp |
| Foot | tinea pedis | athlete's foot |
| Nails | tinea unguium | ringworm of nails |
| Beard | tinea barbae | Barbers's itch |
| Face | tinea faciei | Ringworm of the face |
WARNING: Sensitive images ahead.
Causes
Ringworm is also known as dermatophytosis or dermatophyte infection, commonly known as tinea. Three different types of fungi are responsible for ringworm. These are
1.Trichophton
2.Epidermophyton
3.Microsporum
The spores of these fungi reside in the soil and when come in contact with skin, they start to grow. The spores can live in soil for an extended period of time. The infection spreads from one person to another or from animals to humans as animals are also prone to ring worms.
It's major cause is its spread. The spores can spread in the following manner.
1.From One Person to Other
When a healthy person comes in contact with an infected person, the spores spread. The major cause is skin to skin contact with an infected person.
2.From Objects to a Person
When a healthy person uses daily objects like comb, towel or even pen of an infected person the infection spreads. The spores can be found on almost everything the infected person is using.
3.From Soil or Water to a Person
It is in rare cases when infection spreads like this. When an infected person goes into a swimming pool he spreads the spores through water. When a person walks barefoot in a public place like locker rooms of athletes, he is in danger of coming in contact with the spores.
4.From Animals to a Person
Animals like cats, dogs and cows get easily infected by ringworm. You might get infected while grooming the animals.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ringworm are common. You will know it's a ringworm when you'll see one. Here is what a ringworm looks like.
The common symptoms of ringworm include red, scaly and itchy patches of skin. These patches have defined and raised edges. It varies from organ to organ.
1.Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp
2. Tinea cruris or Jock itch
In this the scaly lesions appear on the skin around the groin, inner thighs and buttocks. It might itch worse than the others.
3. Tinea pedis or Athlete's foot
4. Tinea unguium or ringworm of nails
5. tinea barbae or Barber's itch
Scaly red patches appear on the beard and chin region.
6. Tinea faciei or ringworm of face
Itchy red lesions appear on the afce. They can appear onthe cheeks or near eyes.
7. Tinea manuum or ringworm of hands
In this scaly red patches appear on the skin of palms or between fingers. It is a commonly seen with athelete's foot.
Prevention
Almost 10 million get infected with ringworm infection every year. It can be prevented if you take the necessary precautionary measures. Here are some tips.
1.Keep your skin clean and dry. Try to wear loose fitting clothes in summers.
2. Do not use daily objects like clothes, comb, towels or sheets of the infected person.
3. Change your socks and underwear daily.
4. Keep your fingernails and toenails short.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water properly after playing with pets. If your pet has a ringworm infection take him to a vet for proper treatment.
6. If you are an athlete, do not walk barefoot in the public showers or locker room. Do take a shower after every practice to prevent ringworm infection.
Treatment
If you get infected with a ringworm infection you should take proper medications. There are antifungal creams available in the market that help in treating ringworm. You should consult a doctor before settling on one according to the seriousness of your infection.
Along with that you can make changes in your lifestyle like washing your sheets and bedding daily, changing and washing clothes daily, wearing loose fitting clothes and taking proper medications for the infection.
Remember one thing, not treating ringworm infection can lead to recurrence of ringworms all over your body. All they need to grow is skin and that's overwhelmingly present in our body.
Conclusion
Ringworm is a medical condition and can be life altering if not treated properly on time. They can spread everywhere on your body and trust me you won't want that. It should be treated on time. You should try to prevent it in the first place. I hope this was helpful and it increased your knowledge.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and fit and Stay tuned for more.
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