When people hear the word ringworm, they often ask what is ringworm. It is in this regard that we are going to, closely examine this aspect and answer the question what is ringworm.

Ringworm is also usually referred to as dermatopytosis. It is a clinical condition, which affects the skin and is usually caused by a fungal infection. The condition mostly affects human beings, cats, sheep and cattle among others. It should be noted that the condition is commonly called ringworm, because it is caused by a fungi and not worms. However, the fungi that causes the condition causes what are called dermatopytes or parasitic infections, which feed on the outer layer of the skin called the keratin. The fungi mainly thrives on warm, moist skin and on the hair shaft exteriors.

Research has established that today, almost 20% of the population is at risk of being infected with ringworm. The condition is commonest among sportsmen. Therefore, in answering the question what is ringworm, it must be understood that this is a fungal infection that affects the skin. This fungal condition is mostly caused by and spread through sharing of things like towels and clothing. It mostly affects people in swimming pools and locker rooms, since these are the places where people share things most.

Having looked at the definition of the condition; it is vital that we examine some of its commonest symptoms. This will enable you to identify it and seek medical help as soon as possible. Once the body is infected, it will have enlarged red rings, which is why the disease is referred to as ringworm. Since the condition affects various parts of the body, it might present with various symptoms in those parts. For example, if it is on the skin of the feet, it might cause athlete’s foot. On the other hand, in case it is on the groin, it might cause what is referred to as a jock itch. In addition, if the infection affects the nails, it might cause discoloration, and in severe cases, the nails might fall out. Since the condition affects different parts of the body, it is essential for us to look at some of these parts. The commonest parts that are affected by the condition include the feet, fingernails, toenails, groin, palm, hands, legs, trunk, arms, scalp and face. In all these cases, the condition is referred to by a different name. However, the name is not so important to us when answering the question what is ringworm. All that you need to understand is that these parts could be infected and when you see a ring like infection on your skin, you should seek medical help immediately.

It should be noted that, it is possible for you to prevent getting the infection, and the best way of doing so by not sharing your clothes or garments. You should also avoid sharing sheets with infected persons. However, if you feel you have been exposed to the fungi, you should immediately wash with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal soap.

All about Ringworm Infection

Fungal infections that occur towards the outer surface of the skin are called as ringworm/s. The name of this infection comes from the initial belief, wherein many believed that it had been caused by a worm; which is not the case. The scientific term for ringworm is “tinea”, which apparently comes from the Latin word, “Tinea” meaning “a growing worm”.

Ringworm infection affects people of all age groups and is more common amongst children. It is a contagious infection and spreads easily by getting in contact with the infected person or sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, combs, towels and others. In other words, ringworm infection is easily transmitted, when an uninfected person is exposed to the areas touched by the infected person such as pool surfaces or locker rooms, etc. This infection also affects pets such as cats and dogs, who may in turn become the carrier of this infection and spread it to those who are uninfected. Ringworms affect several body areas at one shot.

Causes of ringworm infection are:

Even if the universe is full of fungi, molds and yeasts, merely some lead to skin disorders. The   “skin fungi” agents are known as “dermatophytes” and the infection caused by these fungi are referred to as “dermatophytosis”. Skin fungi survive by living on top of the lifeless keratin protein layer of the skin. These fungi cannot survive on mucous membranes, such as the ones in the vagina or mouth and are seldom known for invading deep into the body. The scientific names of dermatophyte fungi that assist in spreading ringworm infection are:

·         Epidermophyton floccosum

·         Microsporum canis

·         Trichophyton interdigitale

·         Trichophyton mentagrophytes

·         Trichophyton rubrum

·         Trichophyton tonsurans

The following are the different types of tinea or ringworm infection:

1.      Tinea barbae: This type of ringworm infection affects the bearded spot such as the neck and face accompanied by swelling and noticeable crusting. Patients with this type of infection often suffer from constant itchy skin in the bearded area.

2.      Tinea capitis: This type of tinea is more common amongst children especially the ones in adolescence or late childhood. It affects the scalp and generally spreads via children in schools when come in contact.

3.      Tinea corporis: This type of ringworm infection usually, affects the outer layer of the skin and repeatedly creates spots forming a circle.

4.      Tinea cruris: This type of infection is referred to as ringworm of the groin or “jock itch”. It is reddish-brown in color and expands from the thighs to the groin area.

5.      Tinea faciale (faciei): Here, the infection affects the whole face excluding the bearded spot, wherein it causes scaly red patches, by means of vague edges.

6.      Tinea manus: In this case, it affects the hands, palms, especially in between the spaces of one’s fingers.

7.      Tinea pedis: This type of ringworm infection is commonly known as Athlete’s foot and causes inflammation and scaling in the toe webs, particularly in between the fourth and fifth toes. An additional type of tinea pedis includes scaling or thickening of the skin on the soles and heels.

8.      Tinea unguium: This type of fungal infection affects one’s fingernails and, more frequently, makes the toenails crumbly, yellow and thick.