Different Types of Ringworm and How They Affect Humans.

When I was in secondary school, a friend of mine began to have some disgusting circular reddish stuff around his legs, we reported it to a senior colleague who laughed at us and told us it was nothing to be worried about, he asked us to get a clean razor blade, scrape off the surface, then apply toothpaste on it. That was too scary for me, because what if, in the process of scrapping, blood begins to rush out and it gets out of control that my friend passes out, I certainly wasn't ready to lose him, so we thanked the senior colleague and went to the school clinic instead.

The nurse in charge identified it as RINGWORM, and treatment was administered appropriately. I told her about the advice from our colleague and she said it was a good thing we did not listen to him, this has reminded me constantly to seek professional help at all times.

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What is Ringworm exactly? It is a fungal infection that causes an infection in a ring-shaped manner to appear on the skin. Sometimes, psoriasis and eczema could have the resemblance of ringworm, but experts understand what to look out for in their physical differentiation in appearance as well as treatment.

Another name for ringworm is DERMATOPHYTOSIS, dermatophyte infection or tinea is a skin fungal infection. The name ringworm is gotten from the lesion that causes the infection, its appearance looks like that of a worm with a ring shape. It has the capacity to affect both humans and animals alike, it would first come as discolored, and sometimes scaly patches on the affected regions, then these patches would typically look redder on a light-skinned person than a dark-skinned person.

There are about 40 different fungus species that cause ringworm, they are typically classified under the; Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum types.
Ringworm has the capacity to spread from an affected region to other parts of the body, such as the; hands, nails, groin, beard, feet, and groin. It can also have a different appearance depending on the area it appears on the body.

This fungus can live for an extended period in the soil as spores, and it can live on the skin and other affected surfaces, particularly damp regions. There are four major ways that humans can get the fungi infection;

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The infection can be spread from one human to another, coming in contact with a person who has ringworm or sharing personal items like towels and combs with the person, could bring the infection. Most common among children who share items that harbor the virus.

The infection can also be spread through contact with an affected animal or items that the animal has come in contact with, while dogs and cats happen to be the most common sources, other farm animals can also spread the fungi.

Infection can as well be spread through an object or a surface that is a carrier, like a public shower, and the floor. Direct contact with soil carrying the fungi, can also make a person carry the fungi.

Appearance on the body: tinea corporsis, which ringworm is mostly called, means ringworm of the body, it usually takes the form of patches, with round ring-shape on the limbs or torso.
Appearance on the Feet: tinea pedis, is used to describe ringworm, foot infection. It is commonly seen among those who walk barefoot in public places where the infection has the ability to spread fast, speaking of places like the shower, the locker room, the swimming pools, etc. It can start as a dry scaly skin between the toes and then spread to the heel and the sole. With symptoms like; a burning sensation, peeling, blisters, and a foul smell too.
Appearance on the scalp: tinea capitis, usually begins with an isolated scalp scaling, that grows into an itchy, scaly bald patch. This happens more amongst children, the hair around the region affected may fall off or break, and bald patches may begin to grow from there.
Appearance on the beard: tinea barbae, affects the chin, the upper neck, and the cheeks, it can also cause bald patches, having the appearance of acne, folliculitis, or other skin conditions. When some people have it, they will also experience swollen lymph nodes alongside fatigue.
Appearance on the Groin: tinea cruris, is used to describe infection of the groin, it affects the inner thighs, the groin, and the buttocks. Particularly common amongst the male gender, it begins with an appearance of itchy red, gray rash, or brown, at the spot where the body and the leg meet. Itching may get worse after an episode of exercise, and may not get better even with the use of an anti-itch cream.
Appearance on the Nails: tinea unguium or Onychomycosis, is a ringworm infection affecting the nails, more particularly, toenails than fingernails, this is because most footwear provides a moist, and warm environment preferred by fungi. When a nail is affected, it becomes discolored, it may even start to crack or lift away from the nail bed.
Appearance on the Hands: Ringworm of the hand, is also known as tinea manuum, which is usually caused by the touching of the affected places like the groin or the foot. Infection of the hand may have the appearance of dry skin, which has deep cracks on the palm, if the infection gets to spread to the hand generally, it would have the appearance of a ring-shaped patch at the back of the hand.
In actual sense, virtually anyone can become a candidate for ringworm, but there is a higher risk involved if you fall within one or two of these categories;
If you usually sweat excessively, have diabetes, have a weak immune system, are overweight or obese, have a habit of putting on extremely tight shoes and clothes that fold up your skin, or you make use of public showers or locker rooms, then you are also at risk if you are actively involved in strenuous sporting activities.

Prescribed treatment for ringworm depends on the type of ringworm, remember we mentioned there are different types earlier in this post. In the case of scalp ringworm, oral antifungal is used, but the choice of medication prescribed will be dependent on the type of fungi involved. Medications and antifungal shampoos are also provided treatments.

It is not a common scenario for fungal infections to spread beyond the skin surface, and the risk of any severe illness occurring is very little too, but the delay in the treatment can cause infection to spread from one body part to another. In the case of broken skin, the bacteria would get in and cause an infection. People who have a weak immune system, who are going through cancer treatment, or those living with HIV, will most likely experience a spread of ringworm, it is even more difficult to get rid of ringworm when the immune system is weak.

Permit me to conclude my writing by sharing some helpful tips that can help limit the spread of the fungal infection within a family;
You should stop sharing personal items like clothes, towels, brushes of any type, and bed linen.
Stop walking around the house barefoot.
Clothes now have to be washed in hot water and antifungal soap.
In a situation where a pet is the source, have a certified vet come for its treatment.
In the case of ringworm on your body, try not to scratch it as it would affect other parts of the body.
Hands should be properly washed from time to time with soap and water.