Ringworm in humans is highly contagious and affect the scalp, the body, the feet or nails.
The most likely means of infection comes from direct skin contact with an infected person or pet. Contact with an object or surface that infected a person or pet has touched is also likely.
Prevention is easier than a cure. If someone or a pet in your household does have Ringworm, make sure that all appropriate treatment is implemented immediately upon detection. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Above all avoid direct contact with the infected person or pet and do not share personal items.
What is the infectious agent that causes Ringworm?
As we
have seen earlier, Ringworm is caused by several different organisms
that all belong to a group called Dermatophytes.
Different Dermatophytes affect
different parts of the body and cause different types of Ringworm:
- Ringworm of the scalp
- Ringworm of the body
- Ringworm of the foot (athlete's foot)
- Ringworm of the nails
Ringworm is universal and affects both human and animal. The signs of Ringworm are:
Scalp Ringworm: A small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Yellowish crusty areas sometimes develop.
Body Ringworm: Also called tinea corporis usually presenting as a flat, round patch anywhere on the skin except scalp and feet. The groin, genitals, inner thighs and buttocks are the common areas of infection. As the rash gradually expands, its centre clears to produce a ring. Multiple patches may appear and overlap. Athlete's foot also know as Tinea is a type of fungus and is the name usually given to Ringworm of the foot. This form affects the moist areas between your toes and sometimes on the foot itself. Scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes. Ringworm of nails causes the affected nails to become thicker, discoloured, and brittle. Ringworm of the scalp. This form is most common in children and involves red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald patches. Scalp Ringworm usually appears 10 to 14 days after contact, and Ringworm of the skin 4 to 10 days after contact.
What is the treatment for Ringworm
Ringworm can be treated effectively with most anti-fungal medications. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise. Immediate attention is prudent as inadequate treatment can result in an infection that will not clear up.
Prevention
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. Ringworm is very common, contagious even before symptoms appear and difficult to prevent. However a commonsense approach when you become aware of an infection in your household or community eliminates most risk.
Most importantly: Avoid contact with a known infected person. If contact cannot be avoided, wash your hands carefully with soap and water. Avoid sharing brushes and combs with anyone infected with ringworm. Avoid wearing hats or using head-rests where fungus may be present. Avoid walking barefoot on damp locker room floors. Avoid contact with infected animals.