Ringworm

There are many fungal infections that affect differently, such as ringworm, which might affect different areas in the body and lead to several symptoms.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin in several areas in the body and leads to different symptoms.

Ringworm is a very common condition, and it affects 20-25% of people worldwide.

Types of ringworm:

• Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot): this type causes an itchy and burning rash between the toes and on the soles of the feet. This rash might become scaly and cracked, and it might also make the feet smell bad.
• Tinea cruris (jock itch): red and itchy rash in the groin, upper thigh, or rectum.
• Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm): scaly, red, and itchy bald sports in the head. This baldness might become permanent if left without treatment.
• Tinea manuum: dry and cracked palms in addition to ring-like patches.
• Tinea barbae or beard ringworm: it could appear on the neck, chin, or cheeks, and the patches could become cracked or pus-filled.
• Tinea unguium or onychomycosis (fingernails or toenails): the nails become discolored, thick, and deformed.

Causes of ringworm

• These fungi live normally on the skin, hair, and nails, and when the environment becomes humid and warm, they start growing and causing symptoms.
• Ringworm usually affects people with weak immune systems, who sweat a lot, who wear tight clothes, and who use public locker rooms and showers.
• Ringworm transmits by direct contact and using mutual tools, and it also transmits from infected animals and contaminated things and soil.

Symptoms of ringworm

• Itchiness.
• Flat, ring-like, and high-bordered patches that have a clear or scaly center.
• Overlapping rings.
• Hair loss and bald patches in head ringworm.

Diagnosis of ringworm

• It’s diagnosed by examining the rash.

Treatment of ringworm

• Skin antifungals in most of the cases, and oral antifungals when needed.
• Antifungal shampoo in head ringworm.
• Cleaning the infected area and keeping it dry.
• You must avoid touching the infected area and then touching another one before washing your hands.

Prevention of ringworm

• The fungi grow in humid and warm environments; therefore, you must shower when sweating under clothes.
• Practice good hygiene and frequently wash your hands.
• Don’t share your private tools.
• Dry your body well after showering.
• Change your underwear and socks daily.