Ringworm is a common skin disorder that can be seen as scaly, red, round patches on the skin caused by fungus. In medical term, it is widely known as “tinea”. It is present mostly in congested, filthy places and warm and moist climates, because it can survive both on skin and surfaces such as in comfort rooms, shower rooms, locker rooms, pool surfaces, kitchen, and can be transferred thru sharing of towels, sheets, and clothes. It appears in all ages but very much common in children. Ringworm is a contagious disease and can be passed from one person to another.
Below are the types of ringworm:
Tinea Corporis – this refers to ringworm found on the trunk, arms, and legs. It originally appears frequently in the feet or nails then spread to the scalp and groin area. It can be acute or chronic. Acute ringworms tend to appear suddenly as red and scaly then spread rapidly. While chronic ringworms disperse in slow, yet progressive and most likely to reappear.
Tinea Manus – a ringworm in the hand that is caused either thru direct soil, human o animal contact and an abnormal thickening of the palm and spaces between fingers. Symptoms usually include dryness and peeling of the palm, itching and a blistered rash.
Tinea Faciei– a ringworm of the face usually caused by direct contact with cats, dogs, cattle, and ringworm of the nail and feet. This is less scaly and easily aggravated by the sunlight.
Tinea Capitis– ringworm of the scalp that is very common with children aging from 3 to 7 years old which is probably spread from dogs, pigs, horses, and cats. Symptoms include extreme inflammation on the affected part, swollen lymph glands on the neck, yellow crusts and matted hair and dry scaling accompanied with hair loss.
Ringworms are treated topically with antifungal medications containing:
–clotrimazole (Cruex, Desenex, Lotrimin),
–miconazole (Monistat-Derm),
–ketoconazole (Nizoral), and
–terbinafine (Lamisil).
For severe cases, oral medication is necessary.
–terbinafine
–itraconazole (Sporanox)
–fluconazole (Diflucan)
Prevention:
-Always wear slippers when entering bathrooms, locker rooms, in the kitchen or anywhere that is prone of ringworm fungi.
–Take a bath right away every after practice or game and stay dry
-Wear loose-fitting clothing
–Change underwear every day
–Watch for patchy animals which are the common sign of ringworm fungal infection.
Reference:
http://www.onhealth.com/content/1/ringworm_skin_infection
