In domestic animals, ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms, but most cases show scaling and patches of hair loss. Some of the fungi fluoresce under a black light examination. This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow. The affected area may become itchy for periods of time.ĭoctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping, or in the case of animal ringworm or tinea capitis, examine plucked hairs for fungal elements. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, then bald patches may become evident. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the appearance of a ring. The best known sign of ringworm in people is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges, not unlike the herald rash of Pityriasis rosea. ![]() Some people are genetically predisposed, and can get it easily throughout life. Children are more susceptible before puberty. ![]() Those with eczema or other skin problems get ringworm more easily because the protective barrier of the skin's outer layer is less intact. Some people are much more susceptible than others. To catch ringworm, you have to be exposed to it and you have to be susceptible. Ringworm can also be caught from other humans, both by direct contact and by prolonged contact with flakes of shed skin (from sharing clothes or from house dust, for instance). Chickens may also be a source, due to the dirty conditions in which many poultry must live in which ringworm may thrive. Humans can contract ringworm from these animals as humans are in close contact with them. Ringworm is also a common infection in domestic animals, especially farm animals, dogs and cats. Participants in contact sports such as wrestling have a risk of contracting the fungal infection through skin-to-skin contact. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes or through the use of the same toilet seat as an infected individual. Together with the other dermatophytosis, up to 20 percent of the population has one of these infections at any given moment. These fungi thrive best on skin that is moist, hot, and hidden from the light. It can exist anywhere on the body.įungi are tiny organisms that survive by eating plant or animal material, those that cause parasitic infection ( dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by parasitic fungi ( Dermatophytosis). Ringworm, also known as "Tinea", is an infection of the skin, characterized by a reddish to brownish raised or bumpy patch of skin that may be lighter in the center, giving the appearance of a 'ring'. Risk calculators and risk factors for RingwormĮditor-In-Chief: C. Natural History, Complications and PrognosisĪmerican Roentgen Ray Society Images of RingwormĪll Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRIĭirections to Hospitals Treating Dermatophytosis here Long-haired breeds such as Persian cats and Yorkshire terriers are reported to be more susceptible.īoth humans and animals can be carriers without showing symptoms of ringworm infection.Differentiating Dermatophytosis from other Diseases It’s also regularly found on horses and rabbits. Cats and dogs can both carry it, but cats are considered the most important hosts. canis) is the most common form of ringworm in pets. These fungi may sometimes be transferred to a person in close contact with the pet, but the ringworm is not as likely to spread from that person to another. But the species of fungi that causes ringworm in pets is different from those common among humans. ![]() You can also catch ringworm from an infected pet, though this is less common. Sharing towels, clothing, and bedding can spread it from person to person. Once the fungus has infected your feet, you can spread it to other parts of your own body by touching. Their food supply is the protein, or keratin, that is found in your skin, especially the dead outer layers.Īthlete’s foot is often spread in showers and locker rooms because the fungal spores can live and reproduce in puddles and wet spots, especially when the water is warm. The feet and the crotch area provide a warm, moist environment for the microscopic fungal spores, known as dermatophytes, to live and reproduce. It’s called ringworm when it appears on other parts of your body. Ringworm is highly contagious, and it spreads easily from person to person (and even from animal to person).Īthlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) are caused by the same organism as ringworm.
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