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Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect many parts of the body, causing a lot of discomfort. Understand

What is ringworm?

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin.

Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. The infection has red patches that are local or spread throughout the body, which can affect the skin on the scalp, feet, groin, beard, arms, back or other areas.

ringworm symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on where the infection is. With a skin infection, the following symptoms may appear:

• Redness, itching, scaling or raised red spots;
• Spots that develop blisters or begin to spread slowly;
• Spots that may be redder on the outer edges or resemble a ring;

If you have ringworm, it may become thicker or discolored, your nails may also start to crack. If the ringworm is on the scalp, the hairs around it may break or fall out.

Types of ringworm

Ringworm, depending on the part of the body it affects, has different names:

• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): often starts as small sores that develop into bald, scaly, itchy patches. It is more common among children;
• Mycosis of the body (tinea corporis): often appears as spots with the characteristic round shape of a “ring”;
• Groin ringworm (tinea cruris): refers to infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is more common in men and teenage boys;
• Ringworm in the foot (tinea you ask): is the common name for the infection that is also known as athlete's foot. It often affects people who walk barefoot in public places where the infection can spread, such as changing rooms, showers and swimming pools.

What causes ringworm?

Three different types of fungus can cause ringworm. they are called trichophyton, microsporum and epidermophyton . It is possible that these fungi can live for an extended period as spores in the soil. Humans and animals can contract ringworm after direct contact with this soil. Infection can also be spread through contact with infected animals or other humans. Ringworm is commonly spread among children and by sharing items that may not be clean enough, such as towels and slippers.

Who is at risk of getting ringworm?

Anyone can develop ringworm. However, the infection is more common among children and people who have pet cats. Dogs and cats can catch ringworm and then pass it on to humans who touch them. Symptoms of ringworm in pets include:

• Hairless patches on the skin in a circular shape;
• Dry or scaly patches;
• Spots completely hairless or brittle and brittle;
• Opaque or whitish areas around the paws.

The propensity to develop ringworm is greater when it comes into contact with fungi or with moist or wounded skin. Using a public shower or public pool areas also increases the chance of ringworm.

Those who walk a lot barefoot are more likely to develop ringworm of the feet (athlete's foot). Those who share items such as hairbrushes or unwashed clothing are also at increased risk of developing the infection.

Ringworm Diagnosis

The doctor or doctor will diagnose ringworm by examining the skin and possibly using a black light to see if the area has been affected. If the skin is infected, the part affected by the fungus will glow under black light.

The following exams can also be requested:

• Skin biopsy or fungal culture;
• KOH examination (a scrape is made from the infected skin and then potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added over the collection). KOH destroys normal cells and leaves fungal cells untouched, making the material easier to see under a microscope.

how to treat ringworm

Various medications may be prescribed depending on the severity of the ringworm infection.

Groin ringworm, foot ringworm and skin ringworm can be treated with topical medications such as antifungal creams, ointments, gels or sprays.

Ringworm on the scalp or nails may require oral medications such as ketoconazole, griseofulvin, or terbinafine.

Over-the-counter medications and antifungal skin creams may also be recommended to treat ringworm. Over-the-counter products may contain clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine or other related ingredients.

Measures

In addition to the prescription and medication, your doctor or doctor may recommend that you take care of the infection at home, practicing some of the following habits:

• Avoid clothing that irritates the infected area;
• Cover the infection with a bandage if clothing that irritates the skin cannot be avoided;
• Wash bed linen, towels and body clothes daily;
• Clean and dry your skin regularly.

If you are scratching your skin frequently because of ringworm, you may also develop other types of infection, caused by staphylococci or streptococci of the skin. In that case, antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat the bacterial infection during treatment for ringworm.

How long does ringworm last?

Skin medications can eliminate ringworm in two to four weeks. If you are suffering from severe dermatophytosis and are not responding to over-the-counter treatments or home treatment, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills to clear the infection. Most people respond positively to treatment. However, you need to look at whether there are underlying issues that are causing low immunity, such as food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities such as gluten sensitivity.

Ringworm prevention

You can prevent ringworm:

• Washing your hands after interacting with an animal;
• Disinfecting and cleaning areas where pets live;
• Avoiding contact with people or animals with ringworm, if you have a weakened immune system;
• Taking a shower regularly;
• Avoiding moisture in the body with tight shoes and clothes, especially after exercising;
• Avoiding sharing personal items such as clothes or hairbrushes with people who may have ringworm;
• Keeping your feet always clean and dry;
• Keeping healthy eating habits, consuming lots of vegetables, probiotic foods and water and avoiding alcohol, gluten, pasta and sweets.

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