Human Ringworm-
The Facts
You might think I am lying if I tell you that
Ringworm is not actually caused by worms! The fact is it has
nothing to do with worms at all. The cause of Human Ringworm is
actually to do with fungi and is an external skin infection. It
is known as Ringworm as the appearance of the infection can
look like worms under the skin. Human Ringworm can also be
known as Tinea Corporis. The fungi are called Dermatophytes and
are tiny organisms that live off of the dead skin and tissue on
your body.
The fungus feeds off the top layer of your skin
and are more likely to grow in warm and moist areas, for
example, skin folds .Places such as changing rooms and swimming
pools are examples of where the fungi can grow. Dermatophytes
particularly like to feed on a type of tissue called Keratin.
This tissue is tough and waterproof. It is mainly found on
areas of the body such as the nails, the outer layer of the
skin and your hair. The organisms are really durable and can
survive for several months on your skin or on other
surfaces.
Ringworm can be identified
as you will develop a red ring which has blisters, or a red
scaly ring which grows outwards as it spreads. The middle of
the ring usually stays looking nice and healthy. It is possible
that the centre of the ring can clear up and a new infection
can develop at the perimeter of the old ring. Ringworm is
related to other conditions with the same Latin name such as
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis), Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea
Capitis) and Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris). It is also feasible to
have the Tinea infection without the characteristic red ring.
You may also have one area of Ringworm which is overlapped by
other patches of red rings.
It is most common for children to suffer
from the Ringworm infection, but adults can also be infected.
People with weak immune systems such as Diabetics or HIV/AIDS
sufferers are also highly susceptible to catching the
infection. Also people with Dermatitis may be more at risk.
Other risk factors include: obesity, history of fungal
infections, patients of chemotherapy, being Afro-Caribbean or
having arteriosclerosis.
Ringworm is contagious and there are four main
ways listed as to how it can be spread. It can be passed on
from human to human by contact (skin-to-skin). Maintaining a
high standard of hygiene is essential in the prevention of
Ringworm being spread. Objects such as clothes, towels, sports
equipment and surfaces that have been touched by a person with
Ringworm, are possible ways of the infection being passed on to
another human. It is rare, but soil can also be the cause of
the infection. This method of getting the infection is most
likely due to extended contact with the infected soil. The last
method of the spread of the infection is human to animal
contact. Animals like cattle, rabbits, pigs, ferrets, goats,
horses and even cats and dogs can pass on the infection. Pets
such as dogs and cats can spread Ringworm if they are infected
and then petted or stroked.
Diagnosing Ringworm may be as simple as your
doctor looking at your skin and asking you questions to
determine any associated symptoms you may have. It is also
possible to buy medicated creams over the counter without
prescri ption, but you must keep using them in order to
prevent the rash from returning. If the infection is mild
and the creams are ineffective, the doctor will most
likely prescribe tablets or a stronger topical cream to
help kill off the fungus. If the infection is more severe
then your doctor may take skin scrapings or samples to be
sent off for analysis. If the test returns negative the
doctor may want take a section of infected skin to be
tested further if he or she still suspects Ringworm is the
cause of the infection. This test is called a culture, and
can also be asked for by your doctor if the prescribed
treatment is not working.
Treatment for Ringworm may cause certain
effects if used in conjunction with other medicines. The main
medicines to watch are Warfarin (could be less effective if
taking oral medication for Ringworm) and antacid therapies for
conditions such as ulcer disease (Ringworm treatment may
interfere with absorption). If you take oral medication for the
treatment of Ringworm, you may experience a rash, stomach upset
or abnormal liver functioning as side effects. If the Ringworm
is left untreated it may cause the skin to blister and any
cracks could be infected with bacteria. If the infection
reaches this stage, it will need to be treated with a course of
antibiotics.
If you have Ringworm of the scalp, combs and
brushes should not be shared at all. Adults can also be a
carrier of the scalp ringworm infection without having any of
the symptoms of it, and this can potentially be passed onto
children. Scalp Ringworm is normally treated with oral
medication of an anti-fungal tablet. This may have side effects
such as a rash, nausea, diarrhea or indigestion. It may also be
recommended that you use an anti-fungal shampoo to help stop
the infection spreading to others and to help speed up your
recovery time. Contrary to popular belief shaving the head will
not reduce the risk of being infected with Ringworm. If a child
has been infected with Ringworm and is being treated, it is not
necessary to keep them away from school or day care.
As prevention is better that cure, the best way
to help stop the spread of the infection is to practice good
hygiene. Always wash your hands frequently to help prevent the
spread of infection. Try to avoid excessive sweating as this
creates moist areas for the fungus to grow and spread. Stay dry
and do not wear thick clothes for a prolonged period in hot and
humid weather. Most of all if you suspect anyone has the
Ringworm infection take them to the doctors immediately.
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