Ringworms – Symptoms and Treatment
March 9, 2010
Constant itching of the skin particularly where the sweat accumulates can prove to be annoying. A number of micro-organisms infect the unclean and moist skin leading to irritation as well as rashes. The ringworm is usually considered to be a mild infection and is known to affect the various parts of the body including the feet and groin area, The scalp is generally infected by a different strain known as the Tinea Capitis whereas the ringworm isolated from the body parts is called Tinea Corporis.Symptoms- A slightly raised area , roughly circular in shape is a typical ringworm lesion. The borders may not always be smooth and is almost always scaly in appearance. Constant itching of the area results in pronounced redness of the skin as well. The scalp ringworm, on the other hand, causes white scales falling from the hair which may result in hair loss. The ringworm infection between the toes may cause patches of rash in the affected area as well as white scaling between the toes leading to fissures.
Diagnosis- While most patients try to cure the condition by applying over the counter topical drugs, the proper diagnosis can only be done after testing of laboratory cultures. This is an ideal way of ascertaining the presence of scalp ringworm.
Treatment- The best way to initiate the treatment is to tackle the condition methodically. The first step is to test yourself for ringworms and children affected with this condition should not be subjected to steroidal creams without consulting a pediatrician first.
The ringworm infection on various body parts can be controlled by application of anti fungal ointments. The scalp ringworm, however, is not as easy to control and may require taking of Griseofulvin orally for quite a few months. Other medicines include Spectazole, Oxistat and Loprox. All of these medicines are available as creams, lotions as well as suspensions.
Precautions- Children who have not yet attained their teens are usually prone to Athlete’s foot caused by ringworm infection. It is wise to remember that such children also tend to suffer from contact dermatitis and juvenile Plantar Dermatitis and hence should inculcate a good foot hygiene. While the infection is not considered to be extremely contagious it does spread from cats and dogs too. Keeping your pets clean and healthy should be a priority if you want to avoid catching ringworm infection from them.
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