All About Ringworm

Ringworm is the familiar name for the skin infection caused by a special group of fungi; it is not caused by a worm at all. Ringworm can hamper skin on your body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet. Ringworm is extensive around the world and in the United States. The fungus that results in scalp Ringworm lives in humans, animals and soil.

The fungi that cause Ringworm of the foot and Ringworm of the nails live only in humans. Ringworm of the scalp may start as a small sore that looks like a pimple before becoming spotty, flaky, or scaly. It may cause some hair to fall out or break into bristlles. It can also cause the place where the infection is to grow swollen, tender, and red.

Ringworm of the nails can impress one or more nails on a person’s hands or feet. The nails may become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle. Ringworm is more apt when you have frequent wetness (such as from sweating) and minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.

Ringworm of the scalp normally starts as a tiny pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Symptoms of ringworm are itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may lesion and ooze. The patches normally have sharply-defined edges.

Ringworm of the body resembles up as a flat, round patch anywhere on the skin except for the scalp and feet. Topical shampoo therapy is used in almost every case, especially in longer haired pets. It is common to clip some or all of the hair in some pets to make it more persuasive. Specific anti fungal cremes are also used when a pet is infected in an area that already has scanty hair growth, or there are small, discrete blisters.

Ringworm can be doctored with fungus-killing medicine. The medicine may be in taken in tablet or liquid form by mouth or as a cream applied straight to the affected area. Oral anti fungal medications are also used in fewer cases. Shampoo regularly, specially after haircuts. Not to use in common your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear, or other private care items. Such items should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use. Use sandals or shoes at gyms, lockers, and pools. Neglect touching pets with bald spots.

A topical ointment or cream normally takes care of skin infections, but ringworm of the scalp or nails needs oral antifungal medication. Forceful vacuuming and steam cleaning of carpets will help remove spores and, of course, vacuum bags should be discarded. To reduce environmental contamination, infected cats should be penned to one room until they have cultured negative. The remaining house can be disinfected throughout this confinement period.

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