Types of Ringworm

A fungal infection of the skin known as ringworm, dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea.The term “ringworm” is inaccurate because the infection is caused by a fungus, not a worm. The infection causes a ring-shaped lesion, which is how the infection earned its name.

Tinea corporis (body ringworm) and tinea capitis are the two most common types of ringworm (ringworm of the scalp). Tinea infection in other places, such as tinea cruris, is sometimes referred to as tinea (ringworm of the groin).

Both humans and animals can be infected with ringworm. On affected locations, the infection first manifests as discolored, scaly patches. On lighter skin, these areas are red, but on darker skin, they are brown-gray.

Ringworm can spread to other parts of the body from an infected place, such as the:

  • Scalp
  • Feet
  • Hands
  • Nails
  • Groin
  • Beard

Types of Ringworm

  • Athlete’s foot :-Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot) ringworm on the feet.
  • Tinea cruris:-Ringworm on the groyne, inner thighs, and buttocks caused by Tinea cruris (Jock itch).
  • Tinea corporis:-Tinea corporis is a kind of tinea. Other regions of the body with ringworm, such as the arms or legs
  • Onychomycosis:-Ringworm on the fingernails and toenails caused by Tinea unguium (Onychomycosis).
  • Tinea barbae:-Tinea barbae is a kind of Tinea barbae. Ringworm in the area of the beard.
  • Tinea manuum:-Tinea manuum is a kind of tinea. Hands with ringworm.
  • Tinea capitis:-Tinea capitis Ringworm on the scalp.

Types of ringworm infection

Ringworm is caused by a variety of fungi that vary in location on the body. A fungal infection, not a worm, causes it. Dermatophytes are fungi that live on the skin, hair, or nail bed. Tinea infections are characterised by ring-shaped, red, scaly patches with clearing centers that appear on the scalp, arms, legs, face, and trunk. Tinea infections of the feet, nails, and genital areas aren’t often referred to as ringworm since they don’t always take the form of a ring. If a person:

  • Is malnourished.
  • Has poor hygiene.
  • Lives in a warm climate.
  • Has come into contact with ringworm-infected persons or pets.
  •  your immune system is harmed as a result of a sickness or medication.
  • Wrestling, for example, is a contact sport that he participates in.
  • Makes use of public bathrooms or locker rooms.

Ringworm symptoms

Symptoms differ depending on the location of the infection. You may encounter the following symptoms if you have a skin infection:

  • Itchiness
  • Plaques are elevated areas of skin that are itchy or scaly and are red, brown, or grey.
  • An itching patch of skin that is circular and flat
  • Blisters or pustules appear on the areas
  • Patches with a ring-like shape on the outside and a darker colour on the inside
  • Definable and raised edges on patches
  • Rings that overlap
  • Loss of hair

Depending on whatever area of the body is affected, ringworm can appear in many forms. Depending on where it appears on the body, doctors give ringworms different names.

Causes of ringworm

Ringworm is caused by over 40 different fungus species. Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton are the most common forms.

These fungus can thrive on your skin as well as other surfaces, especially damp ones. They can also survive as spores in soil for long periods of time.

Humans can be infected by the fungus in four ways:

  • Human to human:-If you come into contact with someone who has a ringworm or exchange personal objects like combs or towels, you may contract the illness. The infection is spread primarily among children and through the sharing of fungus-infected things.
  • Animal to human:-Ringworm can be contracted by touching an infected animal or goods in contact with the animal. Other animals, such as agricultural animals, can also spread the fungus.
  • Object to humans:-If you come into contact with an infected device or surface, such as a phone or the floor of a public shower, you could contract the infection. These fungus flourish in wet conditions.
  • Soil to human:-Ringworm can be contracted by humans and animals after coming into direct contact with fungi-infested soil.

How to get rid of ringworm on the skin

Depending on the severity of your ringworm infection, your doctor may prescribe a variety of drugs.

Topical drugs, such as antifungals, are commonly used to treat jock itch, athlete’s foot, and body ringworm.

  • Creams
  • Ointments
  • Gels
  • Sprays

Oral medicines could be used to treat some severe cases.

Oral drugs like griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine may be required for ringworm of the scalp or nails.

Antifungal skin lotions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may also be recommended by your doctor. Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and other similar chemicals may be present in these products.

Ringworm home remedies

Before experts invented antifungal medications, people utilised folk remedies to cure ring Ringworm home remedy

Anecdotal evidence supports the usage of these therapies. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are more effective than over-the-counter antifungals.

The following are examples of treatments:

Apple cider vinegar:-To cure ringworm, some people apply cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar three times a day to the afflicted areas of skin.

Coconut oil:-Coconut oil is a type of vegetable oil that comes from the Ringworm infections are less common when people apply coconut oil to their skin. Apply coconut oil one to three times a day if you want to give it a shot.

Turmeric:- An antifungal paste can be made by combining turmeric, a common spice, with water. Allow for drying after applying the paste on your skin.

Conclusion

 A fungal infection of the skin known as ringworm, dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea. The term “ringworm” is inaccurate because the infection is caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm can spread to other parts of the body from an infected place, such as the: Scalp Feet Hands Nails Groin Beard ringworm symptoms Symptoms differ depending on the location of the infection. An itching patch of skin that is circular and flat Blisters or pustules appear on the areas Patches with a ring-like shape on the outside and a darker colour on the inside Definable and raised edges on patches Rings that overlap Loss of hair Depending on whatever area of the body is affected, ringworm can appear in many forms. Object to humans:-If you come into contact with an infected device or surface, such as a phone or the floor of a public shower, you could contract the infection.

Related Posts