Ringworm. by Brock Jenkinson https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu by Brock :) en-us 2023-05-06 02:57:03 UTC 2025-12-15 13:29:40 UTC hello@padlet.com brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580104493 2023-05-06 02:58:34 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580104493 brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580105201 Ah, ringworm, the deceptive little rascal that's neither a worm nor a ring! You see, it's actually a fungal infection that loves to crash the party on your skin. It gets its name from the itchy, red, circular rash it forms, which looks like a worm in the shape of a ring. But don't be fooled by its artistic flair; this fungus is a master of disguise, infiltrating hair, nails, and even our furry friends. So, next time you hear "ringworm," remember it's not a slimy, wriggly creature, but rather a sneaky fungus gatecrashing your epidermis soirée! YUCK!!! But so fascinating.]]> 2023-05-06 03:01:11 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580105201 From the CDC: "Approximately 40 different species of fungi can cause ringworm; the scientific names for the types of fungi that cause ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton" brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580105651 2023-05-06 03:02:50 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580105651 brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580105769 2023-05-06 03:03:11 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580105769 This fungal infection affects three primary areas: skin, nails, and hair. On the skin, it forms an itchy, red, circular rash that can become scaly or even blister. Nails aren't safe either; the fungus can cause discoloration, thickening, and even crumbling of the nails, leaving you with a less-than-stellar manicure. And for hair, this sneaky invader can lead to hair breakage, bald patches, and dandruff-like flakes. brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580106232 2023-05-06 03:05:00 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580106232 But wait, there's more! If left untreated, ringworm can potentially spread to other parts of the body, transforming a localized issue into a fungal free-for-all. Furthermore, scratching the affected area can lead to bacterial infections, which can cause even more discomfort and complications. So, if you ever find yourself face-to-face with ringworm, do NOT delay treating it!! brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580106270 2023-05-06 03:05:09 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580106270 In a recent study by Yee G and Al Aboud AM (2022), it was found that dermatophyte infections, like tinea corporis (ringworm), are exceedingly common worldwide. The most prevalent cause of these infections is Trichophyton rubrum, accounting for 80-90% of the strains. These infections can be transmitted through direct contact with the soil, animals, or the skin of other humans. Certain populations, like children and immunocompromised individuals, are more susceptible to tinea corporis. (citation: Yee G, Al Aboud AM. Tinea Corporis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544360/). brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580107626 2023-05-06 03:10:08 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580107626 Treatment for ringworm typically involves topical antifungal medications applied once or twice daily for 2-3 weeks, such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine. In cases of widespread infections or failed topical treatment, oral therapy with terbinafine or itraconazole is preferred, clearing the condition within 2-3 weeks. brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580107968 2023-05-06 03:11:22 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580107968 Diagnosing ringworm primarily involves a thorough history and physical examination. Skin scrapings are examined under a microscope with a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, revealing septate and branching hyphae. However, KOH preparations may yield false negatives in up to 15% of cases. Fungal cultures offer a more definitive identification, requiring up to four weeks for growth and analysis. The diagnosis is confirmed by observing the morphology, pigmentation, and surface topography of the cultured fungus. brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108326 2023-05-06 03:12:43 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108326 Did you know that fungi can help clean up pollution? Certain fungi species (not ringworm unfortunately!), known as mycoremediation experts, have the remarkable ability to break down toxic pollutants like oil spills, pesticides, and even radioactive waste. These fungi play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and giving Mother Earth a helping hand! brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108729 2023-05-06 03:14:12 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108729 Maintain good hygiene: Regularly wash your hands, body, and clothes with soap and water. brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108912 2023-05-06 03:14:58 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108912 Avoid sharing personal items: Don't share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with others, as ringworm can spread through contact with contaminated items. brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108945 2023-05-06 03:15:06 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108945 Wear protective footwear: In public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, wear flip-flops or other protective footwear to minimize direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108993 2023-05-06 03:15:17 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580108993 brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580109265 2023-05-06 03:16:20 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580109265 For a comprehensive look at the world of fungi, including their role in infections like ringworm, I recommend watching the documentary "Fantastic Fungi" (2019). Directed by Louie Schwartzberg, this film explores the diverse and fascinating world of fungi, their ecological importance, and their potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental restoration. While not solely focused on ringworm, this documentary provides a broader understanding of fungi and their impact on our lives. It is currently on Netflix so check it out if you're interested!!! brajenk https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580109419 2023-05-06 03:16:59 UTC https://padlet.com/brajenk/b35qodxh953bawxu/wish/2580109419