Ringworm Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can occur on any area of the skin. However, the medical designation varies according to the location of the ringworm.
Ringworm itself is caused by a fungus belonging to the dermatophyte class that attacks keratinized tissue, such as the skin. This fungus is destroying the outermost layer of skin.
The type of ringworm or fungal infection of the skin is closely related to the location of the infection. Here are the names of ringworm according to their location.
- Tinea Corporis is a ringworm that is located on the neck, trunk, arms, and legs.
- Tinea Pedis, ringworm located on the feet.
- Tinea Cruris, ringworm which is located in the groin.
- Tinea Capitis, a ringworm that is located on the scalp.
- Tinea Faciei, ringworm that is located on the face.
- Tinea Barbae, ringworm located in the beard area.
- Tinea manuum, ringworm located on the hands.
- Tinea Unguium, ringworm of the nails.
Ringworm
| Medical specialist | Skin and genital specialist |
| Symptoms | Itching and red rash on the skin surface. Redness rises at the edges and tends to be scaly. |
| Risk Factors | Humid environment |
| Diagnosis | Examination of KOH, Culture |
| Treatment | Topical and oral antifungal drugs |
| Drug | Ketoconazole |
| Complications | Widespread infection, secondary infection |
| When to See a Doctor? | Complaints are getting worse or the lesions are getting wider |
Symptoms
Symptoms of ringworm are characterized by the appearance of a red rash on the skin in the form of irregular circles.
Apart from that, several other characteristics of ringworm that can also be recognized are complaints of itching, especially when sweating, and also scaly patches of skin.
Reason
As explained above, the cause of ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. Here are some types of dermophyte fungi that can cause ringworm:
- Microsporon
- Epidermofiton
- Trichophyton
The most common causes of ringworm are Trichophyton Rubrum and Trichophyton Mentagrophytes which are transmitted directly or indirectly.
Risk Factors
Fungal infections often occur in areas that are often damp.
This is often caused by the frequent use of damp clothing, either sweaty or wet, using materials that are difficult to absorb sweat, and clothing that is too tight.
Ways of spreading ringworm skin disease include:
- direct contact with ringworm sufferers through skin touch
- infected from pets
- indirect contact from the patient hair, bed, clothes, floor
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ringworm is determined based on the history and physical examination, namely by looking at clinical symptoms and the appearance of skin disorders that occur.
Usually, the doctor will examine the skin scrapings from the edges of the wound with a direct microscope to see hyphae or fungal spores.
Treatment
Ringworm is usually treated with an antimycotic (antifungal) ointment, which is used for 2–3 weeks.
Sufferers can also take antifungal tablets prescribed by a doctor if complaints do not improve after using ointments.
Drugs that are often used are:
- topical ketoconazole
- ketoconazole oral
Prevention
Ringworm can be prevented in the following ways.
- Wash towels in warm water with soap and dry well.
- Use a clean towel after every shower. Make sure your skin is dry, especially the arms, between the toes, and groin after bathing.
- Clean the bathroom floor and tub after each use.
- Wear clean clothes after bathing.
- Avoid exchanging clothes, hats, and combs with other people, especially sufferers.
Complications
With improved habits and medication, usually, ringworm of the skin can be resolved properly.
If when you have ringworm and feel itchy, scratching too hard can cause sores and cause a secondary infection, which is a bacterial infection.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have improved your habits, kept clean, and avoided moisture, but the skin lesions are expanding or there is a secondary infection and it doesn’t get better with medication, you should do a direct examination to the doctor.