Ringworm | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Skin Problems

Ringworm | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Skin Problems

Ringworm (or tinea corporis) is a common fungal infection resulting from dermatophytes, which are microscopic organisms that live on the dead outer layer of skin. The fungus that causes the ring-shaped rash remains outside of your body at all times. There is no actual worm involved. Ringworm can affect anyone at anytime. The estimated lifetime risk of developing any superficial fungal infection is 20%-30%. If you live in a warm, humid climate, have direct contact with active lesions on someone else (or a pet), or have a weakened immune system (as a consequence of medical problems such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS), your risk for developing ringworm is higher.

Ringworm Symptoms

Some of the symptoms are for a skin ringworm are: an itchy. burning, and flaky rash that is circular in shape. The skin may also be dry and scaly. Some symptoms of scalp ringworm are: flaky, circular patch of baldness. Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple which becomes larger in size and leaves scaly patches of temporary baldness.

What causes ringworm?

Although the world is full of yeasts, molds, and fungi, only a few cause skin problems. These agents are called the dermatophytes, which means "skin fungi." An infection with these fungi is sometimes known as dermatophytosis. Skin fungi can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. They rarely invade deeper into the body and cannot live on mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or vagina.

Treatments

An over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment is the usual treatment for ringworm, except for tinea capitis, which is much more difficult to treat and often requires several months of an oral medication (like Griseofulvin).

Prescription topical creams, suspensions and lotions are also available, like Loprox, Spectazole and Oxistat.

What You Need To Know

Ringworm is often a misdiagnosis for other conditions, especially numular eczema and pityriasis rosea.

Remember that athlete's foot is unusual in preteen children. These children often have Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis or a contact dermatitis when they have an itchy red rash on their feet.

Ringworm is only mildly contagious, so children undergoing treatment may continue to attend school or daycare. In addition to infected people, you can get ringworm from infected cats and dogs. So examine your pets if someone in your family develops ringworm.

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Ringworm

Tinea capitis is difficult to treat and the fungi that causes it have become resistant to griseofulvin, so higher doses are now used. Be sure to take this medicine with a fatty meal or glass of milk to increase absorption. You might also use a shampoo with selenium sulfide so that he is less contagious.

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