Collegedunia Team Content Curator
Content Curator
Ringworm in a contagious fungal infection caused by fungal pathogens colonizing the top layer of the skin causing it to itch and form red ring-shaped circular rashes which why it is called Ringworm. Ringworm is also recognized as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea. Heat and moisture help these fungi to grow which makes them thrive in areas like in the groin or between the toes. Ringworm is of four types depending on the infected area of the body namely, Body ringworm, Athlete’s foot, jock itch and scalp ringworm. The three types of fungi which causes ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. These fungi are present as spores in the soil and often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact which can be caused by an infected person or an infected animal.
| Table of Content |
Keyterms: Ringworm, fungal pathogens, fungal infection, Body ringworm, scalp ringworm, Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Fungi
Read more: Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)
Causes of Ringworm
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
- The soil contains spores of fungi that causes ringworm.
- The animals also get affected by the ringworm infection which can be transferred to humans upon direct skin-to-skin contact.
- Ringworm can be acquired by an individual by using towels, clothes or even the comb of infected person.
- Ringworm in an infectious disease which can also be attained by direct skin-to-skin contact from an infected person.
Also Read:
Types of Ringworm
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
- Tinea Capitis: This type of fungal infection affects the scalp and causes dry, scaly lesions results in itching. This type of fungal infection is also known as scalp ringworm.
- Tinea Corporis: This type of fungal infection affects any part of the body causing red, itchy circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. This type of fungal infection is also known as body ringworm.
- Tinea Cruris: This type of fungal infection affects the skin folds such as those in the groin or inner thigh or buttock and is caused by heat and moisture which helps the fungi grow and thrive in this part of the body. This type of fungal infection is also known as Jock itch.
- Tinea Pedis: This type of fungal infection affects the foot region mainly between the toe nails and toes. This type of fungal infection is also identified as Athlete’s Foot.
Read More: Pollination
Symptoms of Ringworm
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
The symptoms of the fungal infection Ringworm mainly include the following:
- A scaly, circular shaped rash with clearer skin in the middle appears on the body
- The infected area is red, itchy and a bit swollen
- Patches of skin that develops blisters in the shape of a ring
- Dry, scaly lesions on various parts of the body which is accompanied by intense itching
- In the scalp the area is itchy and the hair of the area will fall off causing small bald patch
Read More: Biomass
Diagnosis of Ringworm by Doctors
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
- The affected area is viewed under black light because the infectious fungus glows in the black light.
- The diagnosis can also be done by preparing potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution which detects the fungi by removing the unaffected cells leaving the fungal cells aside.
- The doctors also take a small section of the affected skin and examine it under the microscope called skin biopsy. The best method to diagnose Ringworm is through fungal culture.
Treatment of Ringworm for Humans
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
- The treatment of Ringworm depends on the type of the fungal infection and its severity.
- The treatment for Jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm of the body can all be done by doctor prescribing topical medications, such as antifungal creams, ointments, gels, or sprays.
- The treatment of Ringworm of the scalp or nails depending on the severity may require doctor to prescribe oral medications such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine.
- Home remedies can be used for mild cases of ringworm like keeping the area clean and dry and applying an over-the counter ointment might help treat the infection.
Read More: Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Prevention of Ringworm
[Click Here for Sample Questions]
By taking the following steps an individual can prevent the ringworm infection and its spread:
- Maintenance of public hygiene by keeping the area clean which is avoid fungi to grow.
- Measures for personal hygiene include keeping the body clean and dry.
- Educating and raising awareness about this fungal infection being spread through direct skin-to skin- contact from humans or animals
- Washing hands regularly after touching a pet or gardening as the fungi is present in the spores of the soil.
- Do not share personal items with others like towels, combs, clothes which can cause the spread of the infection from one person to another.
- Avoiding communal swimming pools as the fungal infection can also spread by it.
Read More: What is Gestational Diabetes
Sample Questions
Ques. What is the recommended treatment for mild case of ringworm infection on the body? (1 mark)
Ans. The recommended treatment for mild case of ringworm infection on the body includes over-the-counter tropical ointments and keeping the affected area clean and dry. If the infection continues to grow it is essential to take a doctor’s consult.
Ques. How can I prevent getting Ringworm from my pet dog? (2 marks)
Ans. To prevent getting ringworm from the pet dog take the following steps:
- Wash the hands thoroughly after handling the pet.
- Disinfect the dog’s bedding, toys and clothes to kill any fungal spores of ringworm.
- Any pet supplies that cannot be disinfected should be discarded as the fungal spores can survive and recur.
- Keep the infected dog isolated to avoid getting infected and treat the animal wearing gloves with the medication prescribed by the Veterinarian.
- Making sure to disinfect clothes after handling the dog as the clothes can be a medium of fungal infection spread.
Ques. How long does ringworm last on clothes? (1 mark)
Ans. The ringworm can survive a long time on contaminated objects which can even last up to 18 months which is why it is essential to disinfect the clothes to avoid the spread of the fungal infection.
Ques. What is suitable treatment for recurring ringworm? (1 mark)
Ans. If the fungal infection is recurring frequently it is important to consult a doctor and take the medications prescribed on time to cure the infection. Also, it is important to understand the reason behind the recurrence.
Ques. What happens if the ringworm is left untreated? (1 mark)
Ans. If the ringworm is left untreated it will spread to different parts of the body and the individual can also risk spreading it to other people. Other risk factors are the loss of hair, scarring and deformed nails.
For Latest Updates on Upcoming Board Exams, Click Here: https://t.me/class_10_12_board_updates
Check-Out:
Comments