Human ringworms or tinea are fungal infection found on the surface of the body, scalp, fee and nails. It was believed that a worm causes the infection, which commonly manifests as round, red spots with raised borders. Even if medical advancements denied that worms were the cause of this fungal infection, still the name is being used at present.
Ringworm is contagious and may be transmitted directly through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, indirectly through the use of an object (such as combs, hats, and clothing) or touching a surface (such as shower mats, bed linens, and pool surfaces) that was previously touched by an infected person or animal, and in rare cases, through contact with soil.
This form of fungi blooms whenever there is heat and moisture. This may be found in different body parts thus the second word of its name refers to its location. The following are the common types of human ringworms:
- Tinea barbae is also referred to as barber's itch. It affects the bearded area of the face and neck, and is usually manifested by swelling, crusting, and itching.
- Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp and is most common in children. It causes scaling in the affected area and may cause temporary alopecia (or hair loss).
- Tinea corporis which are characterized by ring-like spot with clear center and raised border usually found on arms and legs.
- Tinea cruris is otherwise known as jock itch. It affects the groin and causes severe itching, with borders containing pustules and vesicles, and red background rashes.
- Tinea pedis or commonly known as athlete's foot usually found in between the toes of a person.
- Tinea unguium which usually affects fingernails or toenails as a result of tinea pedis, diabetes or tight-fitting shoes.
To be able to provide effective remedy, it is necessary to have a proper diagnosis first. Dermatologist must thoroughly examine the patient first by getting skin samples and making culture tests before giving the diagnosis. Besides antifungal treatments, ringworms can also be stopped by avoiding contacts with people infected with the disease, sharing personal objects with them, and by wearing fresh clothing to avoid moisture and sweating.
Ringworm is contagious and may be transmitted directly through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, indirectly through the use of an object (such as combs, hats, and clothing) or touching a surface (such as shower mats, bed linens, and pool surfaces) that was previously touched by an infected person or animal, and in rare cases, through contact with soil.
This form of fungi blooms whenever there is heat and moisture. This may be found in different body parts thus the second word of its name refers to its location. The following are the common types of human ringworms:
- Tinea barbae is also referred to as barber's itch. It affects the bearded area of the face and neck, and is usually manifested by swelling, crusting, and itching.
- Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp and is most common in children. It causes scaling in the affected area and may cause temporary alopecia (or hair loss).
- Tinea corporis which are characterized by ring-like spot with clear center and raised border usually found on arms and legs.
- Tinea cruris is otherwise known as jock itch. It affects the groin and causes severe itching, with borders containing pustules and vesicles, and red background rashes.
- Tinea pedis or commonly known as athlete's foot usually found in between the toes of a person.
- Tinea unguium which usually affects fingernails or toenails as a result of tinea pedis, diabetes or tight-fitting shoes.
To be able to provide effective remedy, it is necessary to have a proper diagnosis first. Dermatologist must thoroughly examine the patient first by getting skin samples and making culture tests before giving the diagnosis. Besides antifungal treatments, ringworms can also be stopped by avoiding contacts with people infected with the disease, sharing personal objects with them, and by wearing fresh clothing to avoid moisture and sweating.
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This website will also give you more information on ringworm in humans and also on the best ringworm treatment for humans.
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