What is Ringworm?
The skin condition tinea corporis also referred to as “ringworm”, is brought on by a superficial dermatophyte. A contagious skin condition, ringworm infection is often referred to as dermatophytoses or dermatophyte sickness. Since an organism, not a worm, causes the disease, the term “ringworm” is inaccurate. With a global frequency of 20 to 25 percent in the healthy population, dermatophytoses are the fourth most prevalent human skin illnesses. The sore caused by this disease resembles a worm in the shape of a ring, hence the name. This circular rash is usually red and itchy. The disease at first shows up as red patches on the impacted region of the skin and later may spread to different parts of the body. It might also affect the scalp, feet, nails, crotch, facial hair, or different regions.
Areas of the body that can be affected by ringworm include:
- Ringworm on Feet (Tinea pedis, commonly called “athlete’s foot”)
The common name for ringworm infection of the foot is athlete’s foot. It’s most commonly detected in people who go shoeless in public places where the disease might spread, such as storage spaces, baths, and pools.
- Groin, inner thighs, or buttocks (Tinea cruris, commonly called “jock itch”)
Ringworm disease of the skin around the groin, inside thighs, and buttocks is referred to as musclehead tingling caused by Tinea cruris. It’s particularly common in men and young men in their adolescent years.
- Ringworms on the skin.
- Ringworm on the head.
Ringworm of the scalp sometimes begins as restricted scaling in the scalp that develops into textured bald areas that are uncomfortable. It’s fairly common among children.
- Beard (Tinea barbae)
- Hands (Tinea manuum)
- Toenails or fingernails (Tinea unguium, also called “onychomycosis”)
Who acquires ringworm infection?
Fungal infection does not affect everyone equally, and there are familial and genetic influences that may be mediated by unique abnormalities in the immune system. Patients with low defensin beta 4 levels may be vulnerable to all dermatophytes. Underlying disorders such as diabetes mellitus, lymphomas, immunocompromised condition, Cushing syndrome, excessive sweating, or old age are some other risk factors.
Signs and symptoms of ringworm infection:
- The most common symptom of tinea cruris is an itchy, red rash. The exposed skin of the neck, trunk, and/or extremities is commonly affected.
- Inflammation can be mild or severe. Single or several lesions on physical examination are commonly round or ovoid, with patches and plaques. The margins of the lesions are sharp, with a raised reddened scaly edge that may contain vesicles.
- The lesions spread centrifugally (from the center towards the edge), leaving a central clearing and minor residual scaling; this gives the term “ringworm” its name.
Treatment for Ringworms:
The majority of dermatophyte infections are treated with topical or oral medications.
- Topical medications: Topical therapy, usually used once or twice daily for two to three weeks, is usually effective for localized Tinea corporis. The clinical reduction of symptoms, on the other hand, is the therapy’s endpoint.
One of the following topical treatments is recommended:
- Clotrimazole: 1% cream/ointment/solution applied topically twice daily
- Ketoconazole: 2% cream/shampoo/gel/foam applied once daily
- Terbinafine: 1% cream/gel/spray solution once or twice daily
- Oral medications: Oral therapy is required in cases of more extensive infections or when topical treatment has failed. The first-line treatment is usually oral terbinafine or itraconazole, which is expected to clear the illness in 2 to 3 weeks.
For adults, one of the following oral regimens is recommended:
- Terbinafine: 250 mg orally once daily for two weeks
- Itraconazole: 100 mg once daily for 2 weeks or 200 mg once daily for one week
- Fluconazole: 150 to 200 mg once weekly or 50 to 100 mg per day for 2 to 4 weeks
- Griseofulvin: 500 to 1000 mg once daily for 2 to 4 weeks
Home Remedies for Ringworm:
- Coconut Oil: Due to the microbial and antifungal properties of coconut oil, it is an extremely powerful home remedy to try for ringworm infections.
- Lemongrass: Lemon grass either used as a tea or as oil is very helpful for reducing fungal infections.
- Turmeric: With its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, turmeric is one of the most popular homes –remedies for the treatment of tinea cruris aka ringworm.
- Aloe vera Gel: Using at least 3 times a day, aloe vera gel helps in treating bacterial and fungal infections. You should give it a try.
Conclusion:
From knowing what ringworm is to the preventions, symptoms, treatment, and home remedies we have covered nearly all the things in this blog. It can happen to anyone and has a negatively good amount of spreading rate. Thus, keeping yourself hygienic and adding some healthful foods to your diet can save you from all this fuss for sure. For more lifestyle, health, medical and writing-related blogs subscribe to our newsletter. Seeya!