Ringworm Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ring worm
Ring worms are a contagious fungus infection of the skin or scalp or nails and not a worm infection. They are also called "Tinea". It is a reddish to brownish and elevated region of the skin that has a lighter color at the center and hence looks similar to a ring. The fungi can inhabit dead tissues on the skin and structures like hair or nails, that grow from the skin. Ring worms affect the skin, fingers, toe nails and feet. The fungi feed on keratin which is found in the skin, hair and nails. They prosper when the skin is moist, hot and hidden from light. The most common fungi are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. When this infection is found in the groin, it is called "jock itch". If it exists on the feet, it is called "athlete's foot". Nearly, 20% of the population is affected by this disease.

Ring worm symptoms

• Patches appear over the skin that are red, elevated, itchy and scaly. The patches are lighter at the center. These may blister and ooze.
• Bald patches appear on the scalp or in the beard.
• Nails become discolored, thick and may crumble.

Ring worm causes
Ring worm occurs when fungus grows and multiplies on the skin, scalp and nails. This fungus flourishes in warm and moist conditions. So, when there is continuous wetness eg. sweating or minor injuries to the skin, scalp or nails, the possibility of ring worm increases. It is passed from one person to other by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact of contaminated items like combs, shower or pool surfaces or unwashed clothing. Pets like cats and dogs are the carriers of this fungus and contact with these may also lead to ring worm. After getting exposed to the fungi, it is found that some people are more susceptible to ring worm than others. If the individual has eczema or other skin problems, the protective barrier of the skin's outer layer is less intact and they are more prone to ring worm. Some persons are congenitally more susceptible and can get ring worm throughout their life.

Ring worm treatment
Topical anti-fungal creams like miconazole (Tinactin) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin) are available without any prescription. They have to be applied to the affected area minimum twice a day for several weeks to get rid of ring worm. After the symptoms vanish, treatment must be continued for one week. Only then complete eradication can be guaranteed.

In case of ring worm in the nails or the scalp, the prolonged application of oral anti-fungal medicine is essential. As scalp ring worm is majorly responsible for hair loss, it must be treated aggressively.

If there are only one or two lesions, any of the following medications are prescribed:

• Imidazoles – ketoconazole, econazole, oxiconazole, sulconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole
• Substituted pyridines – ciclopirox olamine
• Naphthiomates – tolnaftate
• Allylamines – naftifine, terbinafine

For relief from itching, a topical corticosteroid is used. This should never be used as the only treatment. Ring worm treatment of Deep abscesses or severely infected regions involves surgical drainage.

For people having weak immune system or those infections not cleared with a topical medicine or extensive infections, anti-fungal medication in the form of pills is prescribed. Some examples are fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, griseofulvin and ketoconazole. New ring worm infections that are resistant to oral griseofulvin are treated with oral itraconazole or terbinafine. Oral medications have side effects like rash, abnormal liver functioning and gastrointestinal upset. Use of antacid therapy for ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease interferes with the absorption of the oral medications of treating ring worm. The oral medications modify the efficiency of warfarin which is an anticoagulant drug that reduces the clotting ability of the blood.