Ringworm

Description

Trichophytosis or kele corporis is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes – microscopic microorganisms that live in the dead outer layer of the skin . Trichophytonitis, which cause a ring-shaped rash, remain outside the body throughout the infection.

What are the symptoms?

Manifestations of fungal infection are associated with the formation of a blackened, raised above the surrounding skin, resembling a circle or ring. The center of the rash may be the color of the surrounding healthy skin. Fluid-filled blisters may form in the rash itself.

Itching and pain may accompany the wound, doctors call them lesions. Each of the lesions is less than 5 cm in diameter and occurs alone or in groups of 3 or 4. Rashes usually form on the back, legs, arms, neck and face. This type of fungal infection does not affect the beard area, scalp, palms and soles.

What are the causes?

Most keel infections result from human dermatophytes, which are transmitted by direct contact with the characteristic rash. You can also grow callus from the soil or from animals, most commonly pets.

Treatment of ringworm

Although the infection can heal on its own, in some cases it is more persistent and requires the use of antifungal medications that are applied topically on the lesions.

Application of topical antifungal drugs to the lesion itself and 3 cm in circumference beyond its edge 2 times a day for at least 2 weeks and at least 1 a week after their disappearance.

Antifungals that are available without a prescription are:

– Miconazole 2%;
– Clotrimazole 1%;
– Terbinafine 1%;
– Butenafine 1%;

Although diaper rash, yeast infection and ringworm are caused by types of fungus, the medication used for these infections /nystatin/is not effective for ringworm. The callus is highly contagious and therefore you should avoid touching suspicious lesions.

Maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands and body frequently and wash underwear and clothes if you have an affected family member separately. Avoid close contact sports such as wrestling for at least 48 hours after the lesions disappear.

If the affected person has only one or a few lesions, over-the-counter drug therapy is sufficient. But if the lesions are more, stronger prescription drugs such as:

• Imidazoles

– Clomatrizol;
– Miconazole;
– Ketoconazole;
– Econazole;
– Oxyconazole;
– Sulconazole;
– Sertaconazole;

• Allylamines

– Tolfanate;
– Ciclopirox;

Although topical corticosteroids are sometimes used to relieve itching, they should be avoided as much as possible. Steroids are never used to treat ringworm, as their use can worsen the infection and the fungus is very likely to involve the hair follicles.

Combination drugs that mix fungicides and steroids are now available, but they are very expensive and should be avoided.

Bacterial superinfections necessitate the use of antibiotics. Severely infected or large abscesses may require surgical drainage.

Antifungal medications can also be prescribed as tablets for more extensive skin infections that do not respond to local medications or infections in people with a weakened immune system. Most often in such cases intraconazole, terbinafine, fluconazole and griseofulfin are applied.

Although griseofulfin is the cheapest oral medication, it has many side effects and is not as effective against all types of dermatophytes as newer types of medication.