Ringworm (Tinea corporis)

Ringworm (Tinea corporis)

What is ringworm?

Ringworm, scientifically termed Tinea corporis, denotes a fungal skin infection that can impact various areas including the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails, or feet.

The fungi responsible for this skin infection are categorized into three groups based on their preferred hosts or sources:

• Geophile (from soil sources)
• Zoophile (from animals)
• Anthropophile (from humans)

Zoophile fungi, typically transmitted through animal contact, are primarily accountable for ringworm.

What causes ringworm?

It is commonly transmitted via contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Most mammals harbor at least one type of fungus, often coexisting without showing symptoms. However, the fungus can be transmitted to humans despite the absence of animal symptoms.

Children are particularly vulnerable to ringworm and can easily transmit it to peers, while adults can also contract the infection. Individuals working closely with furry animals, like farmers, face an increased risk.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, ringworm manifests as scaly red patches on the skin, varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

The patches assume ring-shaped or oval forms with red, scaly edges. While the skin within the ring may appear slightly scaly, it remains normal in other aspects. The fungus spreads from the patch's center, with activity confined to the outer edge, often accompanied by itching.

Who is at risk?

• Children in close contact with animals
• Farmers
• Individuals working with furry animals, such as fur farmers and laboratory staff

How is it diagnosed?

The rash itself usually provides sufficient evidence for diagnosis. Scraping for cultivation and microscopic examination may be conducted. Certain fungi exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light (Wood's light).

What is the treatment?

Depending on the infection's severity, ringworm can be treated using antifungal creams or oral antifungal tablets.

Future prospects

With appropriate treatment, the infection typically subsides relatively quickly. However, treatment should continue for some time after rash improvement to completely eliminate the fungus.

What can be done to prevent infection?

Fungi causing skin infections are ubiquitous and challenging to avoid. However, minimizing direct skin-to-skin contact with individuals or animals suspected of fungal infections can help prevent transmission..