Ring worm is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the human body. It most commonly appears on the scalp, the groin area and the feet, although it can affect any part of the body. People originally believed that the condition was caused by worms; however, this is not the case. Some types of ring worm are characterized by flat, reddish, circular patches of skin, while other types do not produce significant changes in the appearance of the skin. The fungi that cause ring worm live in the dead outer layers of the skin that comprise the epidermis. Ring worm sometimes causes itching, as well as patches of dry, flaky skin.
Ring Worm Patients
People of any age can contract ring worm. Children are especially prone to ring worm, because they have significantly more contact with each other than adults. Because the condition can spread from animals to humans, people with young pets are also particularly at risk. Humid areas are breeding grounds for ring worm fungi, so people who attend public gyms or participate in team sports can easily be infected.
How Ring Worm is Spread
Ring worm is only spread through physical contact. Most commonly, it is spread through direct contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through indirect contact. Also, it can live for short periods of time on objects touched by an infected person. Ring worm is frequently spread through the shared use of personal items, particularly in damp or humid environments. In rare cases, you can also get ring worm through contact with infected soil.
How to Prevent Ring Worm
The most effective way to prevent ring worm is to keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfected, including tables, sleeping mats and sports equipment. Also, avoid sharing personal and grooming items, such as hair brushes, clothing and bath towels with other people.
How Ring Worm is Treated
Mild cases of ring worm are treated with topical anti-fungal creams, such as those containing clotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole or terbinafine. Some fungi do not respond well to topical medications; in these cases, oral medications are necessary to control and eliminate the infection. Moderate and severe cases are treated with anti-fungal tablets, which are taken orally. These include griseofulvin, itraconazole and fluconazole. Griseofulvin is used less frequently than other types of oral medications because it poses a higher risk for liver damage.
Comments
gigi70056 said
on 11/8/2009 great write up...