Types
A number of species of fungi cause ringworm. Dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum are the most common causative agents. These fungi attack various parts of the body and lead to the following conditions:
- Tinea corporis affects the arms, legs, and trunk
- Tinea capitis affects the scalp
- Tinea cruris (jock itch) affects the groin area
- Tinea faciei (face fungus) affects the face
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet
- Tinea unguium affects the fingernails and toenails
- Tinea versicolor
- Tinea manuum affects the hands and palm area
Symptoms and diagnosis
The best known sign of ringworm in people is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges, not unlike the herald rash of Pityriasis rosea. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, then bald patches may become evident. The affected area may become itchy for periods of time. If the nails are affected, they may thicken, discolor, and finally crumble and fall off.
Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping, or in the case of animal ringworm or tinea capitis, examine plucked hairs for fungal elements. This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow.
Some of the fungi fluoresce under a black light examination.
In domestic animals, ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms, but most cases show scaling and patches of hair loss. Some cats can be carriers, but show no symptoms.
Treatment
Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole and clotrimazole, available by prescription or over the counter, are used to clear up the infection. A folk remedy for ringworm is a 1:1 solution of cider vinegar and water. Another alternative is 2 drops Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) mixed with an ounce of water. In cats and cattle, sulfurated lime rinses are often used to treat ringworm. Enilconazole, as a rinse, is an effective ringworm treatment available in many countries for treating animals. Fungal infections may take a while to clear up.
Terbinafine is highly effective for Tinea corporis. It treats itching, burning, cracking, and scaling that accompany this condition. It cures most ringworm except the types affecting the nails or scalp, which are very difficult to treat.
Griseofulvin is a traditional drug used to treat ringworm in both animals and man. It can be very effective, but may produce side effects.
Undecylenic acid (Castor oil derivative) is an effective fungicide for fungal skin infections such as ringworm.
- URI last accessed 11 May 2006.