Ringworm of the skin – Dermatophyte infection

Ringworm (Tinea Infection; Dermatophyte Infection)

What is ringworm of the skin?

Dermatomykoz – fungal skin infection. Fungal infection may appear on the nails, коже рук, legs or head. Ringworm can affect both adults, and children, but it is most common in children. Fungal infections of the feet is sometimes called athlete's foot.

Ringworm of the skin – causes

Ringworm is caused by microscopic fungi, which live on the outer skin layer. Infected tinea possible after direct skin-to-skin contact with infected people or pets. It is also transmitted by sharing hats, personal items for hair care (combs, crests) and through contact with the fungus on the floor of the locker room, shower, clothes of an infected person.

Risk factors for tinea skin

Factors, that may increase the risk of skin tinea include:

• Contact with surfaces (eg, backrests, shower cabins), clothing or personal items of the infected person fungus;
• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal;
• Age: to 12 years – ringworm of the scalp rarely occurs in children after puberty or in adults;
• Visit the nursery, school, or locker rooms.

Symptoms of ringworm of the skin

Upon infection tinea, appear on the skin round, reddish patches with raised borders. Finally, spots become large, lighter in the center, acquiring an annular views.

Symptoms tinea skin on other parts of the body may vary:

• Tinea capitis (tinea capitis) – It begins with a small bump on the head, increasing around;
  • Hair may become fragile and brittle, in the affected area formed scaly, hairless areas;
• Hands (tinea manus) – develops on the palms and the space between the fingers;
• Legs – athlete's foot or fungal infection (foot moth) – can cause severe fungus between the toes, on the heel or sole;
• Nails (moth claws) – nails become yellow, loose and brittle;
• Smell (moth leg) – It produces an irritant, reddish, sometimes painful rash in the groin;
• Skin (moth body) – causes of plane, scaly, round spots on the skin;
• Face (moth face) – It causes red, scaly patches on the face.

Symptoms usually appear on depriving 4-10 day after infection. At the head of the symptoms appear after stripping 10-14 days after infection.

Diagnosis of ringworm of the skin

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a skin examination. Ringworm is often easily diagnosed by their appearance. Nonetheless, its symptoms can be similar to other diseases. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an additional study of skin from the affected area.

Ringworm of the skin – treatment

Treatment may be oral (medications taken by mouth) or local (drug applied to the skin):

Local treatment of ringworm of the skin

This type is often used to treat ringworm smooth skin. It includes the use of antifungal creams and powders. Generally, treatment of tinea takes at least two weeks. After the failure of external signs of ringworm, Treatment is usually continued for two more weeks.

From dermatitis, associated with body skin, or toes very effective are the following formulations:

• Tolnaftat;
• Mikonazol;
• Terʙinafin;
• Clotrimazolum;
• Naftifin;
• Butenafin;

Terbinafine is more effective, than other drugs. Its main advantage is the short duration of treatment. Usually the course of terbinafine lasts for one week, instead of four weeks for other drugs, listed above. Nonetheless, it is more expensive, than the alternatives and should be used twice a day. Other drugs may be used once a day.

Oral treatment of ringworm of the skin

This form is used to treat ringworm of nails and scalp. Early treatment of ringworm of the scalp can help prevent hair loss. The treatment of tinea tablets should be:

• Ringworm of the scalp: 4-8 weeks, and sometimes more;
• Ringworm Nails: 4-9 months, and sometimes more.

If the cause of the infection is tinea pet, It is sure to take him to the vet, for advice about medical procedures.

Prevention of skin ringworm

To prevent ringworm skin:

• Avoid contact with an infected person, animals, surfaces;
• Do not share personal items, clothes or shoes with others;
• In the locker room, wear sandals or slippers;
• Avoid scratching during infection, to prevent the spread of ringworm to other areas of the skin;
• Wear, which minimizes sweating and moisture buildup;
• Wear breathable shoes or sandals;
• In areas with high humidity, keep the skin clean and dry.