Ringworm, or tinea, refers to several types of contagious fungal infections of the top layer of the skin, scalp, and nails.
It is called ringworm because the itchy, red rash has a ring-like appearance. However, ringworm is nothing to do with worms.
Key facts to Ringworm:
• Ringworm is nothing to do with worms.
• Ringworm is caused by a fungus that eats keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
• Children under 15 are particularly susceptible to ringworm.
Causes:
Ringworm is caused by a type of fungus that eats keratin. These are called dermatophytes.
Dermatophytes attack the skin, scalp, hair, and nails because those are the only parts of the body with enough keratin to attract them.
Dermatophytes are microscopic spores that can survive on the surface of the skin for months. They can also survive in towels, combs, the soil, and other household objects. They are very resilient.
Dermatophyte spores spread in the following ways:
• human-to-human
• animal-to-human
• object-to-human
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on where you’re infected. With a skin infection, you may experience the following:
• red, itchy, or scaly patches, or raised areas of skin called plaques
• patches that develop blisters, or pustules
• patches that may be redder on the outside edges or resemble a ring
• patches with edges that are defined and raised
Complications of Ringworm/Tinea
Untreated or poorly controlled Ringworm/Tinea can produce serious complications. By following the proper treatment plan, you can reduce the risk of complications. Complications of Tinea include:
• Bacterial infection.
• Skin disorders like contact dermatitis.
• Infection can spread to the other areas of the body.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis depends on the following factors:
• Proper patient History and physical examination
• Fungal culture
• Wood’s lamp examination
Prevention:
The fungi that cause it are everywhere. Still, here are some things you can do to lower your chances of getting ringworm or stop it from spreading:
• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wear flip-flops in locker rooms and public showers.
• Change your socks and underwear at least once each day.
• Don’t share clothes or towels with someone who has ringworm.
• If you play sports, keep your gear and uniform clean — and don’t share them with other players.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after playing with pets. If your pets have ringworm, see your vet.
Homeopathic treatment:
What most of the people do not understand is that treatment of local skin eruption by a local application is not a cure, the infection is throughout the body. Treating it locally without internal medicines will just remove the skin rash for time being, and it will return soon once the medication is stopped.
Instead, take proper internal treatment (preferably homeopathic) to treat the systemic infection and once it is cleared the eruption or the rashes will go on its own much faster than the creams and also will not leave any marks on the skin.
There are many good medicines in homeopathy which has shown excellent results like Bacillinum, Tellurium, Sepia, Sulphur, Dulcamara, etc. The list does not end here. There are many other medicines which can be good in such cases. That is why instead of self-medicating, one should always seek proper homeopathic treatment with a personal consultation.
For inquiries or consultation: 8866877070
Dr. Mansi Joshi
Asst. Physician – Tathya Homeopathic Clinic