General discussion about body ringworm - By: Groshan Fabiola

Ringworm is a fungal infection that develops on the top layer of the skin. We are about to talk of one form of ringworm, ringworm of the body. It is characterized by an itchy red and round rash with a clear middle.

Ringworm of the body is also called tinea corporis because of the fungus that causes it. As we said before there are other forms of ringworm too. Among them we have to mention tinea pedis which is a form of ringworm that affects the moist areas between the toes. It is also known as athlete’s foot. Another form of ringworm is tinea cruris that usually affects genitals, inner upper thighs or buttocks. It is also known as jock itch. We also have to mention tinea capitis. Also known as ringworm of the scalp, as it name says, this type of ringworm is more and more common in children and involves red patches on the scalp that might lead to temporary baldness.

Tinea corporis or ringworm of the body is the type of ringworm that affects the arms, the legs, the trunk and the face. Its name comes from the ring that can be easily spotted but has nothing to do with worms.

Ringworm is a problem that might develop in everyone but it is not a serious one. Even so complications may occur but only in persons with weak immune system.

There are some methods to help you realize if it is ringworm that you develop. For example if a red circle of rash with a clear middle is seen on your skin than it might be ringworm. In the first phase ringworm looks like a pimple that keeps on expanding. The skin is getting itchy and a round and flat patch occurs.

These infections are caused by microorganisms called dermatophytes that live on the cells in the outer layer of the skin.

There are two ways of getting ringworm. It is well known that ringworm is a very contagious infection so it can be spread through direct and indirect contact. Directly a person can catch ringworm from another person or animal after a skin to skin contact. Touching infected items might lead to ringworm too. In few of the cases even soil contact may lead to this infection too.

Ringworm usually occurs in children and outbreaks of ringworm are common in school or other child care centers. At risk are people with weak immune system such as diabetics or people with HIV/AIDS.

Ringworm treatment differs from case to case. The most used medicines in treating this infection are: econazol, miconazole, as topical medication and itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole as oral medication.

Treatments might also develop side effects such as gastrointestinal problems or abnormal liver functioning.

It is difficult to prevent ringworm. Some specialists say that proper body hygiene is very important. It is also important not to get in contact with infected persons or pets.

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