Ringworm

Introduction

Skin is one of the sense organs of our body. The skin is a protective barrier that covers our entire body. The skin acts as a protective, excretive, and absorptive organ. Apart from this, it regulates body temperature. Sometimes the skin is affected by a wide variety of germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Some infections in the skin require immediate medical attention. Ringworm is one of the most familiar infections of the skin caused by fungus.

What is a ringworm?

Ringworm is one of the most familiar infections of the skin as well as nails caused by fungus. The infection is called ringworm as the infection spread like a ring. Usually, it is itchy in nature and the affected area becomes red. The ringworm fungus can live on the skin, surfaces, and household items like towels, bedding, cloth, etc. The other name of ringworms is tinea or dermatophytosis. There are approximately forty different species of fungi that cause ringworm infection. The infectious fungi are mostly Trichophyton sp, Microsporum sp, and Epidermophyton sp.

As the ringworm infection progress, it is spread to the other parts of the body like

• Hands

• Feet

• Scalp

• Nails

• Groin

• Beard

• Arms and legs

Causes

There are approximately forty different species of fungi that cause ringworm infection. The infectious fungi are mostly Trichophyton sp, Microsporum sp, and Epidermophyton sp. These fungi normally Inhabitat on our skin as well as other surfaces like damp areas. These can be spread to humans by following ways

• Human to human − The diseases can be spread If we come in contact with a ringworm-infected person. It can also be spread by sharing the personal belongings of infected persons like combs, towels, etc. Generally, ringworm infection is quickly spread among children.

• Animal to human − The diseases can be spread to humans if we come in contact with infected animals. Generally, dogs and cats are the common sources of transmission of diseases. Apart from these farm animals also can spread this fungal infection.

• Object to human − If an individual comes into contact with objects and surfaces where already the fungus is present. the fungi can grow and multiply in damp places.

• Soil to human − Humans and animals may be affected by ringworm infection after direct contact with soil which is the habitat of ringworm-causing fungi.

Occurrence

Ringworm is one of the most familiar infections of the skin. The infection is called ringworm as the infection spread like a ring. The doctor named ringworm according to the areas of appearance of the body.

• Body − Ringworm of the body generally is known as ringworm of the body or tinea corporis. The infection has appeared as patches as the infection spread like a ring on the body or limbs.

• Scalp − Ringworm of the scalp is most common in children. The ringworm of the scalp is known as tinea capitis. The hair around the affected area of the scalp are fall off or breaks down later bald patches may appear.

• Beard − The ringworm of the beard is also known as ringworm of the beard or tinea barbae. The ringworm of the beard infects cheeks, skin, and upper neck and further causes bald patches. In case of severity, the lymph nodes will be swollen and individuals experience fatigue.

• Hands − Ringworm of the hand or tinea manuum originated from touching the affected areas like the groin or foot. The affected individuals have very dry skin with extensive cracks on the palm. As the infection progress, the appearance of patches on the back of the hand is observed.

• Groin − The ringworm infection that develops around the groin is known as jock itch or tinea cruris. The affected area includes the thigh and buttocks. These types of infections are most common in men and adolescent boys.

• Feet − The ringworm infection of the foot is known as tinea pedis or athlete’s foot. This disease is most common in the section of people who walked with bare feet. The symptoms include dryness and scaly skin in the toes further it spreads to the heel and sole.

• Nails − The ringworm infection in the nails is known as tinea unguium or onychomycosis. Generally, it affects the toenails in comparison to the nails of the fingers.

Stages

The ringworm fungus takes approximately two weeks to show symptoms on the skin. The stages are listed below

• Initial stage − In this stage, the skin starts discoloring and the appearance of patches in the skin. Sometime the skin would become dry and scaly.

• Second stage − In this stage, the lesion starts to develop and increase in size.

Treatment

The treatment for ringworm are described below

• Medication − The healthcare worker recommends medication based on the severity of the disease. Generally, antifungal creams, ointments, gels, and sprays are used to treat diseases. The ringworm of the scalp and nails required oral medication.

• Lifestyle − Proper hygiene is very essential to get rid of this disease. Apart from these washing clothes daily, drying the skin after a bath, and wearing loose cloth help to arrest the ringworm disease.

• Home remedies − Sometimes home remedies are proven to be helpful to some extent. These include the use of turmeric, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar in the affected areas. Some essential oils can be used for the treatment of ringworm.

Prevention

The prevention of ringworm is listed below

• Wash your hands properly with soap after coming from outside and also after contact with animals.

• The pet living areas should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.

• Try to avoid going outside with bare feet.

• Do not share any one of the personal belonging with others.

• The socks and underwear should be changed on a daily basis.

• Always keep your skin clean and dry.

• Maintain hygiene.

Conclusion

Ringworm is one of the most familiar infections of the skin as well as nails caused by fungus. The infection is called ringworm as the infection spread like a ring. The ringworm fungus can live on the skin, surfaces, and household items like towels, bedding, cloth, etc.

FAQs

Q1. Name the essential oils used for the treatment of ringworm?

Ans. Lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, and oregano oil are used in the treatment of ringworm. These oils should be diluted with coconut oil before applying them to the affected areas.

Q2. Why turmeric is used in ringworm infection?

Ans. Turmeric has antifungal properties. It mixes with water to make a paste. Then it is applied to the affected areas and allowed to dry.

Q3. How ringworm can be diagnosed?

Ans. The healthcare professional diagnosed ringworm by using a black light to examine the affected area. Further, the doctor would recommend a skin biopsy and KOH examination to confirm ringworm infection.

Q4. List any three risk factors of ringworm infection.

Ans. The three ringworm risk factors are listed below

• Use of public shower or lockerroom

• The immunosystem is weak

• Improper hygiene

Q5. Name one oral medication for the treatment of ringworm.

Ans. Griseofulvin or terbinafine is used as an oral medication for the treatment of ringworm.