Today is our topic of discussion Definition of Ringworm
Definition of Ringworm
Definition:
Ringworm is the skin infection caused by a fungus.
Cause:
Fungus ‘dermatophytes’ (ringworm)
Site of involvement:
a. Trunk or whole body (tinea corporis)
b. Scalp (tinea capitis)
c. Groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch)
d. Feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete’s foot)
e. Nails (tinea unguium)
f. Beard (tinea barbae)
Risk factors:
Common skin disorder, especially in children, but may affect people of all ages. The fungus thrives in warm & moist areas of the body.
Mode of transmission:
1) Direct contact with infected person or pet.
2) Indirect contact with an object (caps, combs, brushes, bed linens, gym mats etc)
3) Contact with soil (rarely)
Incubation period:
For scalp, 10 to 14 days and for skin 4 to 10 days.
Clinical features:
Ringworm of the scalp or beard:
Begins as a small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily.
Ringworm of the body:
Flat, red and itchy round patch on the skin. The groin is a common area. As the rash gradually expands, its center clears to produce a ‘ring’.
Ringworm of the foot:
Appears as a scaling or cracking of skin, especially between the toes. 4. Ringworm of the nails: Affected nails become thicker, discolored, brittle, chalky and go disintegrate.
Diagnosis:
1. Characteristic ‘ring’ on the skin.
2. Scraping the skin from affected area and examine for fungus under microscope.
Treatment:
Topical drugs:
1. Whitfield’s ointment
2. Antifungal creams – miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, econazole – Apply bid or tid for 2- 4 weeks (once daily, under occlusive dressing, if nail involvement).
3. Antifungal shampoo (t. barbae and t. capitis) – 2% ketoconazole, two to three times weekly for 2-4 weeks.
Systemic drugs (for extensive infections):
1. Griseofulvin 500 mg daily for 2-6 weeks for skin and hair involvement, 6 months in nail involvement, or
2. Terbinafine 250 mg daily for 2-6 weeks, or
3. Fluconazole 50 mg daily for 6 weeks.
Complication of ringworm:
1. Cracking or eroding of the skin between toes and fingers
2. Eczematous change of the involved area
3. Allergic dermatitis
4. Secondary bacterial infections can develop in cracked skin or in hair follicles.
Prevention and control:
1. Educate the public, especially parents, about the risk of ringworm from infected persons and pets.
2. Keeping common-use areas clean, especially in schools, day-care centers, gyms, and locker rooms. Disinfect sleeping mats and gym mats after each use.
3. Keep the skin clean and dry.
4. Infected persons should follow these steps to keep the infection from spreading-
a. Complete treatment as instructed, even after symptoms disappear.
b. Do not share towels, caps, clothing, hair brushes, or other personal items with others.
c. Minimize close contact with others until treated.
d. Make sure the person or animal that was the source of infection gets treated.
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