Ringworm

Cause

Ringworm occurs when there are fungi found on the skin. The fungi that cause ringworm are called dermatophytes. These dermatophytes live on the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. They cannot grow into the depth, but they can penetrate into the hair follicles. There are several types of fungi that can cause ringworm. The most common type is called Trichophyton rubrum, other species are Trichophyton tonsurans, Mycosporum canis, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Fungi are everywhere and are contagious. After infection, it takes ten to twenty-one days before the first symptoms occur.
The fungi spread by fungal spores, tiny spheres that appear in many places. Fungi are easy to acquire, for example by walking around barefoot in gyms, swimming pools and other public areas. A fungal infection is usually acquired by contact with people or animals with a fungal infection. Children can have it from other children at school or in the nursery.

Symptoms

During a ringworm infection, red scaly spots emerge. These spots have a size of about one centimeter in diameter. If the patient has a light skin, the spots are pink with a dark red ring on the outside. If a person has a darker skin tone, then the spots are light brown with a dark brown ring around it. If the fungus is located on the head, there is a chance that the hairs break and the person gets a bald spot. Apart from rash, a patient can also suffer from itch, swelling of the skin and secretion of moisture.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ringworm is often based on how it looks. Some material is sometimes taken in order to be examined under the microscope or to be grown on fungi in the laboratory. Occasionally, a skin biopsy is done. It can sometimes take several weeks before the result of a fungal culture is known.

Treatment

Fungi are combated with an antifungal medication. These are available in the form of local products (creams, lotions, ointments) and as tablets. In case of ringworm, it usually succeeds to get rid of the spot with a locally applied antifungal cream.
Antifungal creams can be obtained on prescription from the general practitioner or dermatologist. There are also creams for fungi that can be bought without prescription at the drugstore or pharmacy.
If a cream helps insufficiently or when there is an extended fungal infection, then it’s wiser to take antifungal tablets. The tablets are also used in patients who have an impaired immune system.

Prognosis

After treatment, the fungal infection completely disappears without leaving a trace. However, it is possible to get re-infected later in life. It seems to be that one person is more susceptible to fungal infections than others.

Considerations

• It’s important to ensure good hygiene.
• Try not to scratch the red spots.
• Wash hands regularly, so that other people in the environment don’t get infected with the fungus.
• When ringworm is discovered in a pet, it's wise to visit the veterinarian and ask for a remedy for ringworm. The animal can infect humans.
• After bathing, the feet should be properly dried, especially between the toes.
• Socks should be well moisture-absorbing. Cotton socks are preferred, synthetic materials shut off and stimulate perspiration. Socks should be washed regularly, but don’t need to be boiled.
• Upon perspiring feet, a drying powder may be used.
• Leather shoes that ventilate well, are preferable to shoes from synthetic materials, in which the feet perspire more.
• Shoes should be changed daily, so they can dry well.
• Open shoes are, of course, ideal, but cannot always be worn in any climate.
• Barefoot walking is good for healing, but in public bathrooms, it is advisable to wear bath slippers.
• Don’t use wooden and cork platforms in showers and washrooms, because fungal spores can nest in the seams.

Facts

• The term ‘tinea corporis’ is derived from the Latin words tinea (growing worm) and corporis (body).
• The prevalence of ringworm is unknown, but it is common.
• The condition is more common in children and in people with reduced immune systems. The infection can also proceed more seriously than in adults or healthy people.