Ringworm - Not a worm, but a fungus. by

CDC Page on Ringworm

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:01:31 UTC

What is Ringworm?

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:17:36 UTC

Ringworm is a type of fungal skin disease that typically displays as a circular rash. It is very common and is caused by fungus on the skin. It can be found on humans and animals. Despite the name, it is not caused by worms. It is known in the medical field as tinea or dermatophytosis. When located on the feet, it is more commonly known as athlete's foot, or when located near the groin it is called jock itch. It can have other names depending on where it is located on the body. Not only can this fungus grow on the skin but also on surfaces and household linens.

What is the causitive agent?

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:24:35 UTC

A fungi infection, mold-like parasites, is the cause of ringworm. There are many species of fungi that can cause this disease. A few of them are Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. [More]

Symptoms/Complications

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:32:02 UTC

itchy skin
ring-shaped rash
red, scaly, cracked skin

*Note: People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time getting rid of a ringworm infection.

Diagnosis

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:41:01 UTC

It is typically easy for a medical professional to diagnose ringworm just by looking at what the infection looks like on the skin. It is likely that they will take a small skin sample to send to a lab for further testing. This usually entails viewing it under a microscope.

Treatment

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:41:37 UTC

Treatment varies somewhat depending on whether it is located on the skin or the scalp. For the scalp, creams, lotions, and powders won't work.

Treatment for the scalp would include taking antifungal medication anywhere from 1 to 3 months until gone. Other options are to use a medicated shampoo. Some of these are Griseofulvin, Terbinafine, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole.

Treatment for the skin is typically a form of cream, lotion, or powder. Some common prescribed medicines are Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine, and Ketoconazole.

Emerging Threats

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 02:49:49 UTC

There has been a reported increase in findings of people with ringworm that is antimicrobial resistant. This means that the fungi has started to develop the ability to resist and/or defeat the drugs previously prescribed to kill them off. This has caused ringworm fungal infections to get worse and go untreated in some cases. There currently is no data on the number of cases reported on these antimicrobial-resistant ringworms due to it not being widely reported or required in the United States. [More]

Emerging Threats (Cont.)

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:11:45 UTC

Dermatologists have stopped prescribing topical nystatin for tinea infections but is still being prescribed by family medicine physicians. [More]

Muddasani S, Rivin G, Fleischer AB Jr. The Persistence of Nystatin Use for Dermatophyte Infections. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023 Dec 1.

Prevention

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:18:35 UTC

Keep skin clean and dry.
Allow air circulation in shoes for feet.
Don't go barefoot in public restrooms.
Keep nails clean.
Change underwear and socks daily.
Don't share personal items with someone infected.
Wash your hands after playing with a pet that is suspected of having ringworm.
If you are an athlete, shower after practice or games.

Ringworm Infographic

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:22:23 UTC

[Link]

Featured Scientist

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:28:41 UTC

Gabriella Rivin, MD is a first year internal medicine resident with The Christ Hospital Health Network. [Link]

Learn More from Doctor O'Donovan:

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:33:09 UTC

Learn More On What Ringworm Is:

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:34:47 UTC

Myths About Ringworm:

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:40:31 UTC

Myth 1: It is caused by a worm.

Myth 2: It only affects the skin.

Myth 3: You will always get a red ring on the skin when you get ringworm.

Myth 4: Only children get ringworm.

Myth 5: Ringworm is not contagious.

Myth 6: You will always see symptoms when infected.

Myth 7: You can't get it from or give it to your pet(s) or other animals.

Myth 8: Flaky scalp can only be dandruff and is never ringworm.

Myth 9: Only those in the household who are infected need to be treated.

Myth 10: Antibiotic treat ringworm.

Myth 11: Once you have gotten it you can never catch it again.

Click link to learn more about these busted myths.

Breaking News! Ringworm!

aprairie_IU — 2023-12-09 03:42:28 UTC