Ringworm is a condition of the skin that is characterized by the development of swollen, raised circle or oval-like patches with a presence of a ring. Ringworm is caused by fungal infection of the skin that usually occurs in the scalp, groins, hands or feet. This infection can happen in both children and adults.
Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes and is also known as tinea. An individual can have an infection by direct contact with an infected person. A person can also have an infection from infected animals, from soil or formites. These fungi can cause swelling of the skin that result in the formation of a ring on the skin.
Ring worm can also found in other parts of the body like tinea barbae – ringworm found in the beard area, tinea cruris – ringworm found in the groin, perineum and the perineal areas, tinea pedis – ringworm in the feet, tinea manuum – ringworm in the hands, and tinea ungums – ringworm in the nails.
Symptoms of ringworm
Ring worm of the scalp known as tinea capitis are commonly found in school children. It is characterized by circular patches of hair loss on the scalp that is not associated with inflammation of the scalp. A dandruff formation can be a sign of tinea capitis. Adults and children living in warm and humid temperatures are most susceptible to tinea corporis known as ringworm of the body. This kind of ringworm affects only the skin excluding the scalp, hairy area, hands and the groin. The characteristic of this ringworm is the raised reddish rings on the skin that are asymptomatic and are spreading rapidly. They maybe sometimes infected by a bacteria that can cause a formation of a pus filled eruptions.
Treatment of ringworm
Ringworm infections are treated with antifungal agents in the form of tablets or skin cream or lotions. Commonly used fungal medications are griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. Anti-fungal creams and lotion are only applied for mild cases of ringworm, use tablet if there is a moderate to severe ringworm infections. If you want to learn more about treating ringworm, click here.
Ringworms can also be treated vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemon and iodine, salt, and even Vicks Vaporub to minimize itching.
Raw papaya can also be used in treating ringworm. Slice the fruit and rub on the ringworm rashes. Another way is making a paste separately from mustard seeds, butea seeds or cassia leaves. They are rubbed on the infected areas.
Prevention
- Avoid direct contact with the infected adults and children.
- Avoid sharing of personal belongings with the infected person
- Early identification of symptoms and treatment to prevent spreading and complications.
- Stay in dry places and avoid from becoming overheated since these are the best places for breeding of the fungal infections
- Avoiding animals that are infected. Make sure the household pets are treated immediately if they show symptoms of ringworm infections, and not passing it to other members of the household.