Dermatophytosis or ringworm is a clinical condition caused by fungal infection of the skin in humans, pets and domesticated animals. The term ringworm is a misnomer. It has nothing to do with worms. It is a fungus, or more correctly, one of several fungi that can affect animals and humans. The fungi that cause parasitic infection feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of the skin, hair and nails. Many children and pet owners get ringworm through direct or indirect contact with the infected hairs or skin of pets. Ringworm is curable and it can be cured with proper Ringworm Treatment.
For proper treatment of ringworm, it is essential to know the Ringworm Causes. Ringworm of the body appears as flat, spreading ring-shaped areas. The edge is reddish and may be either dry and scaly or moist and crusted. Heat and moisture help fungi grow and thrive, which makes them more common in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes. Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple which becomes larger in size and leaves scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Occasionally, yellowish cuplike crusty areas are seen. With ringworm of the nails, the affected nails become thicker, discolored and brittle, or they become chalky and disintegrate. Ringworm tends to get worse during summer, with symptoms alleviating during the winter.
To prevent Ringworm Infection, we suggest avoiding sharing clothing, sports equipment, towels or sheets. After being exposed to places where the potential of being infected is great, one should wash with an antibacterial and anti-fungal soap or one that contains tea tree oil, which contains terpinen-4-ol. Also avoid touching pets with bald spots as they are often carriers of the fungus. To prevent spreading the infection, lesions should not be touched, and good hygiene maintained with washing of hands and the body.
Ringworm Treatment includes topical agents such as Miconazole, Terbinafine, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, or Tolnaftate applied twice daily until symptoms resolve. Topical treatments should then be continued for a further 7 days after resolution of visible symptoms to prevent recurrence. Ringworm Treatment is generally for two weeks, but may be as long as three. In more severe cases or where there is scalp ringworm, systemic treatment with oral medications may be given. An over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment is the usual treatment for ringworm, except for Tinea Capitis (Scalp).
