JawaPos.com – One of the most common skin diseases is ringworm. The disease is also known as Ringworm infection. Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. The wound caused by this infection resembles a ring-shaped worm, which is why its other name is Ringworm.
Ringworm infection can attack humans and animals. The infection initially appears as discolored, often scaly patches on the affected area. These patches usually appear red on lighter skin or grayish brown on darker skin. Ringworm can spread from the affected area to other parts of the body, such as the feet, hands, nails, thighs, and groin.
“The doctor will diagnose ringworm by examining the skin and possibly using a black light to see the affected area. Depending on the type of fungus, it can sometimes glow under black light,” said Dermatologist dr. Raechele Cochran Gathers from the American Academy of Dermatology as reported by Healthline, Tuesday (19/7).
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on where the infection occurs. A person affected by this disease will feel itchy, itchy or scaly patches that are red, brown, or gray, or a raised area of skin. You may also experience patches of itchy skin that are round and flat, ring-like patches that are deeper in color on the outside.
“Ringworm can look different depending on which part of the body is affected. Doctors call ringworm by different names depending on where it appears on the body,” said dr. Rachelle.
The cause
About 40 different species of fungi can cause ringworm. They are usually of the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton types.
This fungus can live on the skin and other surfaces, especially damp areas. They can also live for a long time as spores in the soil.
Way of Transmission
Fungi can spread from human to human. You can get the infection if you come into contact with someone who has ringworm or if you share personal items, such as combs or towels. This infection is commonly spread among children and by sharing items that contain the fungus.
Animal to human. You can get ringworm after touching an affected animal or even objects that the animal has come into contact with. Cats and dogs are most common, but other animals, such as farm animals, can spread the fungus as well.
Transmission of objects. You may get the infection if you come into contact with an object or surface that has it, such as a telephone or the floor of a public shower. This fungus thrives in a humid environment.
Land to humans. Humans and animals can get ringworm after direct contact with soil that carries the fungus.
The cause
Anyone can get ringworm, especially if you live in a warm and humid environment or climate after exercise. Or you can use a public bathroom or shared changing room. Then make close contact with animals, wear shoes or tight clothing and make skin blisters. It turns out that suffering from several diseases can also trigger ringworm such as diabetes, being obese or overweight, sweating excessively, to having a weak immune system.
Treatment
The doctor will perform a skin biopsy or fungal culture, then will take a sample of the skin or discharge from the blister and send it to a laboratory to test for the fungus. The doctor will see fungal elements that are easy to see under a microscope.
Your doctor may recommend medication and lifestyle adjustments to treat ringworm. depending on the severity of your ringworm infection.
Water fleas and ringworm of the body can usually be treated with topical medications, such as antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays.
Some severe cases can be treated with oral medications. Ringworm of the scalp or nails may require prescription-strength oral medications, such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine. Antifungal skin creams also contain clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or other related ingredients.
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