Ringworm
Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It’s usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. It is not caused due to any worm.
Ringworm often causes a ring-shaped rash that is itchy, scaly and slightly raised. The rings usually start small and then expand outward.
Causes –
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:
Human to human: Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
Animal to human: You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats. It’s also fairly common in cows.
Object to human: It’s possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
Soil to human: In rare cases, ringworm can be spread to humans by contact with infected soil. Infection would most likely occur only from prolonged contact with highly infected soil.
Symptoms –
Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:
- A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs
- Itchiness
- A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin.
- Slightly raised, expanding rings
- A round, flat patch of itchy skin
- Overlapping rings
Risk factors –
You’re at higher risk of ringworm of the body if you:
- Live in a warm climate
- Have close contact with an infected person or animal
- Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
- Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
- Wear tight or restrictive clothing
- Have a weak immune system
Prevention –
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of
ringworm:
Educate yourself and others: Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell your children about ringworm, what to watch for and how to avoid infection.
Keep clean: Wash your hands often. Keep shared areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, shower right after practice or a match and keep your uniform and gear clean.
Stay cool and dry: Don’t wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
Avoid infected animals: The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to check them for ringworm.
Don’t share personal items: Don’t let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports gear or other personal items. And don’t borrow such things.
Treatment protocol: Conventional treatment entails using Over-the-Counter antifungal ointments, however if the rash is not completely better within 2 weeks, or if it recurs, patients need oral medication in addition to topical ointments.
The commonest complication of ringworm is recurrence, inspite of completing the prescribed therapy and taking all precautions.
Here, Homeopathy helps to –
- Treat the current acute episode in the shortest duration
- Boost skin health
- Prevent recurrences
Presenting case pictures of a young girl who had ringwom, was completely better in eight days and there has been no recurrence.
