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 prescription, 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.