Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin or scalp that causes red, itchy patches. It is common in children and spreads through direct contact with infected skin or sharing personal items. The infection is caused by fungi and presents as patches that may develop scales, blisters or hair loss if the scalp is affected. Ringworm can be diagnosed through examination of skin samples under a microscope and is usually treated with antifungal creams or tablets.

1. Fungal skin infection (Ringworm)

2. 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.

3. Symptoms of ringworm
Symptoms vary depending on where you’re 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.

4. 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 they’re easy to see under a microscope.

5. 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.
 Athlete’s 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 (athlete’s foot)
may be developed. Those who often share items such as
hairbrushes or unwashed clothing also have an increased
risk of developing the infection

8. 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.

9. Logon to
www.lazoi.com
Like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LazoiTheLife
Follow us on Twitter
https://www.twitter.com/lazoithelife
Follow us on Pinterest
https://www.in.pinterest.com/lazoithelife