1.What is Ringworm infection or Tinea infection?
Ringworm is a very common fungal infection of the skin caused by superficial fungi called dermatophytes.Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by fungus.On the skin, the rash often has a ring-shaped pattern and a raised, scaly border that snakes its way around the edge like a worm
2. Who gets ringworm?
People around the world develop ringworm, and anyone can get it. Your risk of getting ringworm increases if you: • Live in a tropical area • Spend time in hot, humid weather • Sweat heavily • Wrestle, play football, or participate in another contact sport • Live in close contact with others, such as in military housing • Share towels, clothes, razors, and other things without disinfecting (razors) or washing (clothes and towels) them • Are obese/Have diabetes/or Immunodeficiency conditions like HIV/Cancer etc • Wear clothing that chafes your skin • Use a locker room or pool and don’t wash and dry your feet well before putting on shoes and socks. • Have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it • Pet an animal like a dog, cat, or farm animal infected with ringworm • Touch soil infected with ringworm • Use an infected object like a phone, comb, or towel
3. What does it look like?
Typically the skin surface it presents as Red to pink, round patch with clearing in the centre, present on one or multiple areas of the body.As the infection gets old, the size of patch keeps increasing in size.
4. What are the areas involved?
The infection can involve general surface of skin(Tinea corporis),Groin area(Tinea cruris),beard region(Tinea barbae), skin over the face(Tinea faceii),palms(Tinea mannum) & soles(Tinea pedis). .
5. Is it curable?
Yes, it is a curable condition.
6. What are the problems of not taking treatment?
Untreated, the infection can spread to involve major surface area of the body. Also since it’s a highly contagious condition, it can progress to spread to people around the patient.
7. How to treat the infection?
Always consult a dermatologist for the treatment of Tinea.THe treatment options vary from anti fungal molecules like Terbinafine, Itraconazole etc taken in oral or topical formulation. Treat the area for as long as recommended. Anti-fungal medicine may work quickly. You may see clearing or no longer feel symptoms in a few days. If this happens, you should still treat the area for as long as your dermatologist recommends. If you’re treating with a medicine that you bought without a prescription, treat for as long as stated in the directions. By treating ringworm for as long as recommended, you help ensure that the ringworm does not re-appear a few weeks after you stop treating it.
8. DO’s & Don’ts if you have the infection
DOs:
• Stick to the treatment regimen and complete the course as your doctor advises to prevent recurrences & relapses. • Treat all ringworm at the same time. • Change your clothes, including underwear and socks, every day. Wash the clothes before wearing them again. • Wear loose comfortable cotton clothes as much as possible • Reduce weight & exercise regularly • Bring other comorbidities like Diabetes, HTN under control • Maintain good personal hygiene • Shower after working out. Fungi thrive in moist, warm areas. You want to wash away perspiration and keep the area dry. • If you suspect your pet has ringworm, take the animal to your vet. • Keep all follow-up appointments with your dermatologist • To avoid re-infecting yourself with infected items, you should wash clothes, towels, and bedding that you use while you have ringworm. Be sure to wash everything in hot, soapy water.
DON’Ts:
• Avoid sharing clothes, towels, personal belongings with any other family member. • Avoid close contact with other people. • Avoid using Over the counter steroid contains creams like COSVATE/BETNOVATE/DERMI5/PANDERM/QUADRIDERM • Avoid self medication • Avoid public places like swimming pools • Avoid tight fitting clothes, synthetic material wear, closed shoes • Avoid closed shoes/loafers(infection over feet)