| Ringworm (tinea) | |||||
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- What is ringworm?
- Symptoms of ringworm
- Causes of ringworm
- Treatment of ringworm
- Important ringworm facts
Ringworm (or tinea) is a common infection of the skin and scalp, which is caused by a fungal infection. The fungus that causes tinea lives and grows on the skin.
The term "ringworm" comes from the shape of the infection on the skin, which usually has the shape of a circle or ring.
Ringworm infection can be transmitted from person to person, through the following ways:
- Having direct contact with the infected person's rash
- Sharing clothes with an infected person
- Sharing sports equipment with an infected person
- Sharing towels with an infected person
- Touching anything an infected person has touched
Ringworm can also be transmitted from animal to humans, through direct contact with the open lesion on the animal. Both domestic animals and livestock can be infected with ringworm.
The different types of ringworm (or tinea) are:
- Tinea barbae - the beard in men is infected
- Tinea capitis - the scalp is infected (occurs regularly in children)
- Tinea corporis - various areas on the are infected
- Tinea cruris - "jock itch" where the groin is infected
- Tinea faciei - the face is infected (but not the beard)
- Tinea manus - the hands, especially the palms and spaces between the fingers are infected
- Tinea pedis - or "athlete's foot" where the area between the toes and /or the heels, are infected
- Tinea unguium - the fingernails and toenails are infected
- Itchy rash in various places on the body
- Jock itch, that affects the folds of the groin area (but may spread to the thighs and buttocks)
- Red and scaly rash
- Rash may be a few mm to a few cm in width
- Rash that may blister and ooze pus
- Round or circular shaped rash patches with red raised edges with a clear centre
- Fungal spores that exist in the air and soil and which enter the body through a broken skin - cut or scratched skin
- Fungus from cats / dogs which produces a more rare, but serious infection
- Jock itch that has been infected by an athlete's foot infection (fungal spores from one area can spread to other areas)
Diagnosis and testing
Ringworm is normally diagnosed through:
- History of symptoms - your doctor will ask a series of questions about the symptoms
- Physical examination - to detect the severity of the condition and symptoms
- Skin exam - sometimes a little of the skin is scraped off to be examined under a microscope for definite diagnosis
Conventional treatment
Normal treatment is with the following medication:
- Antifungal creams or ointments - these medicated creams and ointments quickly clear up a ringworm infection
- Antifungal tablets - are used to treat ringworm infections of the scalp; the main drug used is Griseofulvin, which is normally prescribed for about 10 weeks
- Corticosteroid cream - usually prescribed for use on infections that are very inflammed and irritated
- Nail paint - treat ringworm infections of the nails
The following will also be recommended to prevent ongoing symptoms and prevent infection of other people:
- Change underwear and socks every day
- Don't scratch or touch the affected areas
- Don't share towels, clothes or other person items with other people, including family and friends
- Keep the affected areas clean and dry
- Washing bedding and pyjamas frequently (every day if possible)
Alternative / complementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
- Herbs - there are several herbs which have the ability to kill fungal infections
- Echinacea - this herb boosts the immune system to help to get rid of the fingal infection
- Garlic - this herb / food has anti-fungal properties, which may be useful to fight the infection and resolve symptoms
- Tea tree oil - this is is one of the most powerful fungicides available from plant sources and studies show it can help to resolve symptoms and infection; there are various creams, powders and shampoos available with medicated tea tree formulas for the different types of ringworm infections
- Lifestyle changes - the same recommendation as for conventional treatment
- Nutrients - a good antioxidant formula will help boost the immune system so that it can work to resolve the infection itself
- Ringworm is highly contagious, especially if contact is made with an open sore of an infected person
- People with lowered immunity are more susceptible to disease such as ringworm
references
- Ali S, Graham TA, Forgie SE. The assessment and management of tinea capitis in children. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2007 Sep;23(9):662-5; quiz 666-8
- Chang CH, Young-Xu Y, Kurth T, Orav JE, Chan AK. The safety of oral antifungal treatments for superficial dermatophytosis and onychomycosis: a meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2007 Sep;120(9):791-8
- Inouye S, Uchida K, Nishiyama Y, Hasumi Y, Yamaguchi H, Abe S. Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi. 2007;48(1):27-36
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