Ringworm is a fungal infection on the skin that causes rashes on the top layer of the skin. It is marked by lesions that are clearly defined with a red circular border. In medical terms ringworm fungal infection is called as tinea corporis. It can be treated by antifungal creams and medications.
Symptoms :
Initially ringworm infection develops as small scaly patches on the skin. These patches will have a clear defined area that has a red circular border. The shape of the ring can be either circular or irregular or sometimes like a wavy outline. It can be itchy for some and not for others.
Causes :
Ringworm infection is caused by fungus which thrives on the cells of human beings. It can either spread by human to human contact (direct skin contact) or by animal to human contact (through pet animals) or by object to human contact (touching the clothing, combs or towels of infected person). In rare cases if you accidentally touch the contaminated soil that contains fungi you can get this infection.
Who Are At Risk ?
Children below 15 years of age, those living in moisture area or in humid climate, those having close contact with animals (like farmers, cattle workers), those who share clothing of infected person, and those have weakened immunity are prone to develop ringworm fungal infection.
Tests :
Simple physical examination of the body is enough to detect ringworm infection.
Treatment :
Treatment is simple for ringworm fungal infection. Lifestyle changes and over the counter antifungal creams are used for treating the symptoms. Medications or creams that contain terbinafine, clotrimazole or miconazole are highly effective in controlling the symptoms. Within few days or a week, the rash will disappear.
For more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe mild steroid cream for some days along with antifungal oral pills. You need to complete the full course of medication if you have severe infection. Some of the common drugs used for treating ringworm fungal infection are terbinafine (lamisil), Azoles (diflucan), Griseofulvin and Tinactin. For moderate infection with itching, clotrimazole (Lotrisone) is effective.
Ringworm Fungal Infections Pictures :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Ringworm Fungal Infections
Prevention :
Ringworm infection is contagious and before you plan it can infect you. Instruct your children about the way of playing with pets and practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before taking food. Stay in a cool room and avoid too much of sweating. Avoid sharing personal items like clothing or towels or combs with others.