Human Ringworm Infection
As a child, did you ever run home in tears because your best friend made fun of you for having a "funny looking rash" on your head? Mom looked it over, and as-a-matter-of-fact, she proclaimed you had ringworm.
Ringworm is a clinical condition known as Dermatophytosis.
Commonly known to be on the head, and even causing the hair to fall out on and around the infected area, ringworm on a child's head is not a worm at all, but a fungus that feeds on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.
And it is not restricted only to the youth; people of any age can be infected.
The most common ringworm, Tinea Capitis, is found on the scalp.
This, however, is not the only place ringworm can be found on the human body.
Ringworm on the arms and legs, known by its scientific name Tinea Corporis, will have a ring-like area defined by a progressing reddish rash with a clear central space.
Ringworm can also form on the feet.
Tinea Pedis, more commonly know as Athlete's Foot, is caused by infection due to moist skin, and usually develops as a soft, white area on the foot.
Sometimes a more scaling, dry condition can occur.
On the fingernails or toenails, Tinea Unguium is a very common cause of nail dystrophy.
The infected nails can become discolored, thick, and crumble.
This form of ringworm on the toenails may be caused by tinea pedis, tightly or loosely fitting shoes, and diabetes.
Tinea Cruris, ringworm on the groin, is best known as Jock Itch and commonly infects young adult men.
The areas are usually blistered or include boils, with a red milieu.
The fungus that causes ringworm is contagious, and can be spread through direct contact of the infected area.
It can also be transmitted through indirect contact from infected surfaces in the shower or pool, or on shared clothing, a blanket, or a comb or brush.
To treat an outbreak of ringworm you should keep your skin clean and dry, especially the infected area.
There are non-prescription products that can be purchased to apply directly to the area.
Lotions, drying powders, and creams containing miconazole or clotrimazole work well at drying out and killing the fungi.
Bedding and clothing should be washed daily to prevent spreading the fungi.
Furthermore, for more severe cases of ringworm, antifungal pills can be prescribed.
In any case, you should immediately seek medical assistance if you experience swelling, worsening in redness of the infected area, red streaking, pus, discharge, and/or fever.
Ringworm is a clinical condition known as Dermatophytosis.
Commonly known to be on the head, and even causing the hair to fall out on and around the infected area, ringworm on a child's head is not a worm at all, but a fungus that feeds on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.
And it is not restricted only to the youth; people of any age can be infected.
The most common ringworm, Tinea Capitis, is found on the scalp.
This, however, is not the only place ringworm can be found on the human body.
Ringworm on the arms and legs, known by its scientific name Tinea Corporis, will have a ring-like area defined by a progressing reddish rash with a clear central space.
Ringworm can also form on the feet.
Tinea Pedis, more commonly know as Athlete's Foot, is caused by infection due to moist skin, and usually develops as a soft, white area on the foot.
Sometimes a more scaling, dry condition can occur.
On the fingernails or toenails, Tinea Unguium is a very common cause of nail dystrophy.
The infected nails can become discolored, thick, and crumble.
This form of ringworm on the toenails may be caused by tinea pedis, tightly or loosely fitting shoes, and diabetes.
Tinea Cruris, ringworm on the groin, is best known as Jock Itch and commonly infects young adult men.
The areas are usually blistered or include boils, with a red milieu.
The fungus that causes ringworm is contagious, and can be spread through direct contact of the infected area.
It can also be transmitted through indirect contact from infected surfaces in the shower or pool, or on shared clothing, a blanket, or a comb or brush.
To treat an outbreak of ringworm you should keep your skin clean and dry, especially the infected area.
There are non-prescription products that can be purchased to apply directly to the area.
Lotions, drying powders, and creams containing miconazole or clotrimazole work well at drying out and killing the fungi.
Bedding and clothing should be washed daily to prevent spreading the fungi.
Furthermore, for more severe cases of ringworm, antifungal pills can be prescribed.
In any case, you should immediately seek medical assistance if you experience swelling, worsening in redness of the infected area, red streaking, pus, discharge, and/or fever.
Source...