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Introduction
Ringworm, despite its name, is not caused by a worm. It is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, nails, and other parts of the body. The infection gets its name from the ring-shaped, red rash it typically forms on the skin. Ringworm is medically known as tinea followed by the area it affects (e.g., tinea corporis for the body, tinea capitis for the scalp).
Causes
Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on keratin — a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. The infection spreads through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal
- Indirect contact via contaminated items like towels, clothing, combs, and gym equipment
- Soil, especially if it contains the fungi and contacts broken skin
Types of Ringworm
- Tinea Corporis: Affects the body; forms circular, red, scaly patches
- Tinea Capitis: Affects the scalp; common in children, causes hair loss and scaling
- Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot): Affects the feet; common in athletes and those using communal showers
- Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch): Affects the groin area; more common in males
- Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis): Affects fingernails or toenails; causes thick, discolored nails
- Tinea Barbae: Affects bearded areas of the face and neck in adult males
Signs and Symptoms
- Itchy, red, circular rash with raised edges
- Scaly or cracked skin in the affected area
- Hair loss (in scalp infections)
- Thickened or discolored nails (in nail infections)
- Blisters or oozing in severe cases
The classic sign is a ring-like lesion that expands outward while the center becomes clear.
Diagnosis
Ringworm is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the rash. However, doctors may confirm with:
- Wood’s lamp examination (UV light)
- Skin scraping and KOH test (microscopic examination)
- Fungal culture for definitive identification
Treatment
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection:
Topical Antifungals (for mild to moderate skin infections):
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Ketoconazole
These are applied directly to the skin for 2 to 4 weeks.
Oral Antifungals (for scalp, nail, or severe infections):
- Griseofulvin
- Terbinafine
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
Treatment may last several weeks to months, especially for nail infections.
Prevention
- Keep skin clean and dry, especially in folds and between toes
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels and combs
- Wear slippers in communal showers or pools
- Change socks and underwear daily
- Treat infected pets and avoid contact until they're cured
- Disinfect sports gear and gym equipment
Complications
Ringworm rarely causes serious complications but may lead to:
- Secondary bacterial infections (if the area is scratched)
- Permanent hair loss or scarring (especially in scalp infections)
- Recurrent infections if not treated properly or hygiene is poor
Conclusion
Ringworm is a highly contagious but treatable fungal infection. With proper hygiene, early diagnosis, and appropriate antifungal treatment, it can be cured without complications. Awareness about its spread and prevention is key to reducing the risk of infection.
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