Ring Worm - Symptoms & Treatment

Ring Worm is a very common type of skin disorders but is very dangerous also. Ring Worm is commonly known as "ring worm." Ring Worm is the term used for fungal infection of the skin. It is highly infectious disease and mostly occurs in the scalp, the body, the feet, and the nails. It spreads from the affected person to the person who comes in contact. Ringworm of the scalp is common among children because of the lack of protective fatty acids in their scalp. The disease spreads on the skin and extends deeper into the hair roots, and also up along the hair. The affected hair becomes dull and breaks off near its root. This leaves bald spots on the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp may start as a small sore that resembles a pimple before becoming patchy, flaky, or scaly. It may cause some hair to fall out or break into stubbles. It can also cause the place where the infection is to become swollen, tender, and red. Ringworm of the nails may affect one or more nails on a person's hands or feet. The nails may become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle. Ringworm of the nails is not too common before puberty, though. The medical term for ringworm is "tinea." (Tinea gets us back to worms. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.) Doctors add another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Tinea capitis, for instance, refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, and so on.

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. The infection causes a rash that may have a ring-shape with a raised edge. It can be quite itchy and flaky. When the scalp is infected, there is often an area of baldness. The term " ringworm " or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. It is a result of a fungus infection. Nevertheless, the name "ringworm" has stuck. Some of these fungi produce round spots, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots are not from fungus. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Ringworm can affect anyone at any time. The estimated lifetime risk of developing any superficial fungal infection is 20-30%. If you live in a warm, humid climate, have direct contact with active lesions on someone else (or a pet), or have a weakened immune system (as a consequence of medical problems such as diabetes , leukemia , or AIDS), your risk for developing ringworm is higher.

Causes of Ring Worm

Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes (skin fungi), Dermatophytes are the few types of yeast, molds and fungi that only live on keratin- the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. They affect all areas of the body from the scalp to the feet. The major causes of this skin disease are accumulation of sweat in the covered areas of our body, such as underarm, waist, thighs, between fingers, etc. Another cause of ringworm is using clothes, towels of the person suffering from ringworm or other skin disease. This infectious disease is caused also due to pets like dogs and cats and also through the untreated prolonging wounds on the body.

Find common causes and risk factors of Ring Worm :

• Lack of protective fatty acids in the scalp.
• Wearing unwashed clothes or sharing combs of infected people.
• Excessive sweating.
• Skin wounds .

Signs and Symptoms of Ring Worm

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• A round, flat patch of itchy skin.
• Rash can be dry and scaly or wet and crusty.
• Pink and scaly rings on the body.
• Severe itching.

Treatment for Ring Worm

Ringworm can be cured with medication. Some medications are taken by mouth. Others are ointments or creams that are spread on the infected area. Many are available without a prescription. Your rash may start to clear up soon after you begin treatment, but it is important to use the medicine exactly as the label or your doctor says. This will help keep the infection from coming back. Usually you need to continue treatment for 2 to 4 weeks. Skin blisters and cracks can become infected with bacteria. If this happens, you will need antibiotics.

Treatment may include:

• Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing medicine . The medicine can be in taken in tablet or liquid form by mouth or as a cream applied directly to the affected area.
• Drink plenty of water, and take bath twice daily.
• Take a well-balanced diet with emphasis on seeds, nuts, wholegrain cereals, raw or lightly cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits.