Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a superficial fungal skin infection. Having nothing to do with worms as the name may suggest, ringworm is actually a condition caused by several different species of fungus. Ringworm belongs to a group of superficial fungal infections that are usually classified according to the location on the body. These disorders vary from mild inflammations to acute vesicular reactions that can be dangerous if left untreated. One of these types of skin conditions is ringworm, or tinea.
These infections are frequent in a large amount of adult people, with over 20 percent of the United States population having 1 of these infections at any given moment.
Ringworm are the most common types of tinea infections in kids, and are particularly common between the ages of 2 and 14. Symptoms of scalp ringworm include hair loss, itching, skin like flakes, and sometimes also a body rash. The most common symptom of body ringworm is the itchy, red, ring-like skin rash typical of ringworm. Body and scalp ringworm in kids is commonly caused by fungus that can be easily transmitted from person to person, either by direct contact or by contact with objects like towels, sheets, pillows, combs, hats and hairbrushes.
It is imperative to keep in mind that ringworm is highly contagious. This means ringworm in children can spread easily in a school or home setting. Some types of ringworm can also be transmitted by pets. Risk factors for tinea in children comprise living in a warm moist climate. Ringworm in children is also more common in metropolitan areas. Ringworm are found worldwide. Even though specific information are not available, ringworm is a common issue in most countries.
The fungi that bring about this parasitic infection (dermatophytes) nourish on keratin, the material found in the external layer of skin, hair and nails. These fungi prosper on skin that is warm and humid, but may also live directly on the outer surfaces of hair shafts or in their interiors.
Heat and moisture aid these fungi spread and flourish, which makes them more regularly found in skin folds like those in the groin or between the toes. This also accounts for their reputation as being caught from locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.
They are generally constrained to the most outer layer of the epidermis or skin since they are powerless to enter viable tissue of the host (in this case human or animal skin). these fungi can elicit a host response which can range from mild to severe, chronic or recurring dermatophyte infection.
Dermatophytes of the genera microsporum and trichophyton are the most frequent causal agents for ringworm in people. These fungi attack a number of parts of the body and from their location, doctors as a rule append 1 more word to the latin designation tinea. Infections on the skin of the body, which are most frequent, will cause the usual enlarging raised red rings of ringworm that become particularly itchy and irritating. These rings will grow to be more irritating if not treated rapidly and can lead to open sores, painful stinging and in the end heavy scarring.
In the cases where the lesions are itchy, the skin is normally crusty, bumpy and infected with bacteria.
Ringworm infections result from a number of different fungi. Transmission may occur directly out of minimal contact with infected lesions, or indirectly through contact with infected personal items such as shoes, towels or shower stalls. Another predisposing aspect is the mixtureof warm weather and tight clothing, which supports fungus growth.
Ringworm distinctively tends to worsen during the summer season or in locations that have a warmer, humid climate. Animals such as dogs and cats can also be infected with ringworm, and the disease can without problems be transmitted between animals and people.
Ringworm lesions vary in appearance and duration, so the early the treatment starts, the better the possibility for full and complete {elimination.
What is Ringworm? 