Ringworm

Ringworm = tinea (medical term, meaning "fungus"), is a fungal infection of the skin (dermatophytosis). Now you understand that it is not a worm, but a fungus. But it is a ring though! :-) Read on!

The infection is characterized by a reddish to brownish round area with raised and slightly bumpy border zone or edge that represents the active zone, the zone where the infection spreads radially, and a lighter zone in the center, with light scaling and usually less itching than the border zone. This gives the impression of a 'ring'. The infection is one of many types of fungal skin infections. Ringworm may affect the skin anywhere on the body.

Fungi attaching the skin (dermatophytes) are tiny organisms that survive by feeding on keratin, the dead outer protein layer of the skin and nails. They thrive on skin that is moist, hot, and hidden from the light (in the shoes for example, as in the case of tinea pedis, or athletes foot). Dermatophytoses are very common, and very few will live their life without ever having had one or several infections.

It is not very contagious,- only mildly so.

The appearance: one or more red itchy patches with raized, defined edges, not unlike the herald patch of pityriasis rosea. The elements are often lighter in the center, making it look like a ring. If the infected area involves hair covered areas, bald patches may manifest. The affected area is usually itchy, especially along the elevated edges (the active zone).

Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or from a skin scraping, or from examination of hairs for fungal elements. This is then examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate and allowed to grow.

Some of the fungi fluoresce under a blue light examination. Special lamps are therefore sometimes used by doctors.

Ringworm infection may cause skin lesions in parts of the body that is remote from the actual infection. These manifestations are called "dermatophytids". These lesions are fungus-free, and disappear upon treatment of the mother-infection. Dermatophytids are allergic reactions to the fungus.

Topical treatment is usually sufficient for a complete cure. Drugs containing miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, butenafine and tolnaftate are used. Many creams with these substances are available without a prescription.

Ointments may be mixed with hydrocortisone creams to reduce inflammation and itching and speed recovery. Most ringworm infections should see improvement in a week or two. Types affecting the nails or scalp may be more difficult to treat, and may require oral medication.

Griseofulvin was the most used drug, and is still used for animals. Due to side effects, other remedies containing terbenafine have become more popular.

Natural skin repair in cases of ringworm happen by strengthening the hosts skin and attaching the fungus with Tamanu Oil and Herbs.