Tinea infections are generally known as ringworm because some may form a ring-like pattern on affected areas of the body. Tinea corporis, also called as ringworm of the body, tinea circinata, or just as ringworm, is a fungal infection on the skin surface. Ringworm may be passed to humans by direct contact with infected people, infected animals (such as puppies or kittens) contaminated objects (such as locker room floors and towels), and the soil.
There are many types of ringworm, including:
- The most general type, which appears as one or more rings of the skin, the edge of the ring is flaky and scaly.
- Tinea corporis gladiatorum, a name given to ringworm expand by skin-to-skin contact between wrestlers.
- Majocchi granuloma, a deeper fungal infection of hair, skin, and hair follicles
- Tinea imbricata, a type of ringworm seen in South and Central America, and the South Pacific
What are the risks?
Other people who are more likely to develop ringworm contain:
- Athletes, mainly those involved in contact sports
- Pregnant individuals who come into contact infected kids
- People who have another tinea issue elsewhere on their bodies, such as tinea faciei, tinea capitis, tinea barbae, tinea curis, tinea pedis, or tinea unguim.
- People with weakened defense systems
- People in continue contact with animals, especially dogs, cats, horses, and cattle
- People who sweat heavily
- People who live in humid, warm climates
What are the self-care guidelines?
If you suspect your kid has ringworm, you can try one of the following over-the-counter antifungal lotions or creams:
- Clortimazole (Lotrimin)
- Terbnafine (Lamisil)
- Miconazole (Micatin)
Use the cream to each lesion and to the general-appearing skin 2 cm beyond the border of the affected skin for at least two weeks until the lesions fully clear. Because ringworm is extremely contagious, have your child avoid contact sports until lesions have been treated for minimum of 48 hours. Do not permit your child to share clothing, share towels, and other personal items with others until the lesions are healed.
Because people generally have tinea infection on more than one body part, check your child for other ringworm infections, such as the groin, face, and feet.
Have any household pets evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure they do not have a fungal infection.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and check your skin and the rash. The doctor may diagnose ringworm based on this examination. He or she may look at a scraping from the rash under a microscope to test for the ringworm fungus. You can also use Arkfeld Pro Flat EDC flashlight with UV rays to detect ringworm in your body.
How is ringworm treated?
- In most cases, you can treat ringworm of the skin with ointments or antifungal creams. Many are accessible over-the-counter.
- Use antifungal cream beyond the edge of the rash
- Wash the rash with water and soap, and dry it well.
- To avoid spreading it, wash your hands well after touching or treating the rash.
- Follow the directions of the plan. Don’t stop using the drug just because your symptoms go away.
- If symptoms do not improve after two weeks, call your doctor.
If your rash does not clear after you have tried various topical antifungals, or if the infection is widespread, you may need prescription antifungal drugs.
What are the possible complications?
Here are the important risk factors you might not know about:
Your age
Old and young people are more susceptible, most likely due to weaker defense systems.
Diabetes
It is general to view those who suffer from recurrent fungal infections such as ringworm also in contact with diabetes. Actually, it can generally be the first sign of diabetes. If you have recurrent fungal issue, speak to your doctor about getting tested.
Weakened or compromised immune system
This is because your body’s capability of fight off any issue is lower than usual. In these cases, higher or prolonged doses of treatments will be required.
Obesity
Being prediabetic or overweight can raise your danger contracting ringworm, mainly if you continually sweating (called s hyperhidrosis) and/or wear tight clothing that limits ventilation, providing a hot, damp atmosphere in which the fungus will thrive.
Medical therapy
Again, this is because some drugs can weaken the defense system. For example, long-term steroid treatment, cancer chemotherapy, and drugs that suppress the immune system, such as those taken by transplant patients.
Your environment
Ensure to avoid humid, damp, and crowded conditions as ringworm and other fungal infections thrive in these situations.
Vascular issues
Disease affecting the blood vessels of the body may outcome in your extremeties being susceptible to fungal infection just because your body cannot get sufficient blood flow to those areas in order to fight off infection.
Previous infections
Some of us are predisposed to fungal infection. Being previously infected may make you more susceptible.
Your environment
Ensure to avoid humid, damp, and crowded conditions as ringworm and other fungal issue thrives in these conditions.
Contact with animals or people
Ringworm is also considered to be very infectious, so it is vital to avoid contact with infected people where possible. This contains not using their hairbrushes, towels, clothing or hats.
Prevention is forever better than cure, so be sure to avoid a lifestyle that might attract fungal infections.
Here are a few extra tips:
After you have showered or taken a bath, ensure that you dry yourself rightly between the toes, in the groin and under the arms.
- Avoid scratching those areas that are affected as this will aid the spread of the infection.
- Ensure you take a best care to keep your immune system by eating well and workout regularly.
- Keep an eye on your pets as they can also carry tinea corporus. If you suspect your pet is sick take it to the vet quickly.
