Ringworms in Humans

So as I was saying, ringworm also known as tinea corporis is basically a fungal infection that develops on the epidermis or let's say, the top layer of the skin. It is also associated with other fungal infections which are known to affect the scalp, the groin area or the area of the feet. The one that affects the scalp is known as tinea capitis and it is known to affect mostly children. Ringworm affecting the foot is known as tinea pedis and, when the groin area is infected, the infection is referred to as tinea cruris.

Indicants of Ringworm Infection in Humans
The classic symptom which is indicative of ringworm infection is the appearance of a circular rash on the affected area of the skin. This rash would appear redder and inflamed around its sharply-defined edge, while, the skin at the center would have a normal skin tone, appearing healthy. The affected skin may take on an unusually dark or light appearance, as well. The rash may be raised and have a scaly skin when it appears on the face or trunk. The affected skin may be persistently itchy. Ringworm, when affects the scalp or beard, is indicated by bald patches. And when nails are affected, they may show signs of discoloration, become thick and may start to crumble.

Causes
Probably you are not aware of the fact that dermatophytes are a class of microorganisms which reside on the cells in the outer layer of the skin. These are mold-like fungi and they are the ones that cause ringworm infection in humans. Other causes include direct skin-to-skin contact and contact with contaminated objects. The fungal infection may even be passed from pets to humans and even through infected soil.

Treatment
Ringworm can be treated with the help of over-the-counter antifungal medications. However, if the infection does not respond to OTC drugs, then prescription-strength ones have to be administered. These may include topical medication, in the form of lotions, creams, etc., or may include oral ones, in the form of pills, capsules. The standard topical drugs which are prescribed for ringworm treatment include:

• Butenafine (Mentax)
• Ciclopirox (Loprox)
• Econazole
• Miconazole (Monistat-Derm)
• Oxiconazole (Oxistat)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

And the standard list for the oral medications goes like this:

• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Terbinafine (Lamisil)

Patients must be prepared to deal with certain side effects of the oral medications which they would be prescribed for dealing with the fungal infection. Also, these medications are also known to interact with other kinds of drugs such as those prescribed for ulcer diseases and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Some Home Remedies
Apart from the above medications, there are a few home remedies for managing the symptoms of ringworm. These include:

• A paste made of mustard seeds works as an effective home remedy for dealing with the infection.
• Cut an unripe papaya into few pieces. Rub these pieces over the infected part.
• Extract the juice of raw turmeric and massage it on the infected skin.
• Using castor oil has been an age-old remedy for scalp ringworm. Simply rub the oil on the affected areas.
• Carrot juice when taken in combination with spinach juice aids in getting rid of the infection internally.
• Keeping the skin soft and moisturized helps in easing irritation and itching. For this, coconut oil comes in handy.

Ringworm infection is not a stubborn condition to deal with and rarely it is known to cause any complications. However, for people with compromised immune system, the infection may get too hard to be gotten rid of.