Ringworm

Ringworm is a type of fungi referred to as tinea. Warm, moist areas on the skin are most prone to infection, and watch out - these infections are highly contagious and can be spread by either direct or indirect contact (e.g. the spread of athlete’s foot in a communal shower area).

Some of the more common tinea infections include athlete’s foot, jock itch, and nail fungus. These fungi - also referred to as dermatophytes - thrive and actually ingest the keratin proteins found in the top layer of dead skin cells.

It’s been estimated that upwards of 20% of the population at any one time are infected with one or more the various types of dermatophytes. Although more common in children, a tinea infection can affect all age groups. It can be misdiagnosed and confused with other types of skin problems like granuloma annulare, or bullous pemphigoid.

Symptoms of a tinea infection will vary depending on location, but some of the more common indications include patches of skin with a slightly raised border with some scaling. These are normally mildly itchy, but usually not inflamed. These patches may come and go.

In the case of athlete’s foot, scaling can involve a small area (between one or two toes), or the entire foot, including a thickening and scaling of the heel (sometimes referred to as “moccasin distribution”). In severe cases, the scaling can lead to painful cracking or fissuring of the skin (leading to possible secondary bacterial infections). Blisters may also form.

Jock itch starts in the skin folds and does not usually affect the scrotum. The ensuing rash can be quite itchy, and sometimes painful.

For scalp ring worm, a pink scaly and itchy rash may develop. Or, a patch of hair may be lost with no sign of a rash.

Body ring worm can occur on the face, truck, arms or legs and usually forms round, itchy patches with a scaly border. This is normally what is considered to be the characteristic mark of tinea (circular, raised patch). The skin color inside the ring can be lighter or darker than your normal coloring. The infection can start out in one area of the body, and spread to other areas, especially if left untreated.

Nail fungus - also called onychomycosis - will attack the nail bed and cause the nail plate to take on a thickened, yellowish appearance. As the infection progresses, the nails may become crumbly and/or separate from the nail bed. You may end up with it on just one or two toes on one foot, or on all toes on both feet.

Causes

The family of fungi termed dermatophytes is responsible for skin fungal infections we refer to as ringworm. These fungi can be found just about anywhere – so it’s difficult to determine exactly where someone may have contracted their infection. These skin disorders are highly contagious, either through direct or indirect contact (i.e. combs, unwashed clothing, shower floors, or pool surfaces), so in many cases, an infection could be the result of close contact with another infected person.

The fungi that cause a ringworm fungal infection thrive in the warm, moist areas of the body. It is more likely to develop in people who have areas of frequent wetness on their bodies (e.g. sweating), or who have suffered a minor skin injury to their scalp, nails or other part of the body.

Treatment

Treatment of a ringworm infection can usually be accomplished by the use of an OTC antifungal topical cream. These medications are used primarily in treating body ringworm, including athlete’s foot and jock itch. Medications that contain clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine are usually quite effective in eradicating the fungal infection in one to two weeks.

However, some types of ringworm (i.e. scalp ringworm, nail fungus) are a little more difficult to control, and the use of oral medications (systemic treatment) may be necessary. These medications require a prescription. Some common types of medications include griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole or fluconazole as the active ingredient.

Prevention

The key to reducing your chances of contracting a ringworm fungal infection is to eliminate moisture on the skin where ever it is prone to form or accumulate, and to reduce the incidence of contact with known infected people or their personal items. Even animals can harbor the disease, so do not touch pets with any bald spots on their coats.

For the prevention of athlete’s foot, wear open-toe shoes or shoes that breathe, and use moisture absorbent socks that are changed frequently (especially after exercise). Be sure to thoroughly dry between the toes after a shower. Avoid sharing sports equipment or towels. And avoid walking around barefoot in communal shower or pool areas.

To prevent scalp ringworm, be sure not to use someone else’s hair comb, brush or hat. This fungal infection is highly contagious, especially among younger children who tend to share such personal items with each other while at school. Shampoo regularly, especially after a hair cut.

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