Ringworm

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Definition:

A fungal (tinea) infection of the skin transmitted by person-to-person contact or by contact with infected surfaces, such as same towels or soaps, more common in boys than girls.

Involves

Commonest is around the groin (tinea cruris) and on the skin (tinea corporis)

Signs & Symptons

Lesions that itch badly and are red, circular, flat, scaling and have well-defined borders.

Causes

Fungal infection with one or more of 5 different fungi.

Risk Increases With

Excess moisture / sweating
Crowded or unsanitary living conditions

Prevention

The fungi are so prevalent that total prevention is impossible.
To minimize risk:

Avoid continuous exposure to overheated humid environments.
Carefully dry feet and folds of the groin after a bath

Diagnostic Measures

Typical symptoms.
Examination by a doctor

Possible Complications

Secondary bacterial infection of ringworm lesions.

Probable Outcomes

Usually curable in 6 weeks with treatment, but recurrence is very common as most mothers stop treatment the day lesion disappears.

TREATMENT

General Measures

For ringworm on the body:

Boil all clothing, towels or bed linens that have touched the lesions
Keep the skin dry. Moist areas favor fungus growth.
Make your child wear a cotton underwear. Change more than once a day. Avoid tight clothes.
If the area is red, swollen and oozing, use compresses made of 1 teaspoon salt to 1 pint water. Apply 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days before starting the local antifungal medication.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe topical antifungal drugs as oral anti fungal drugs are generally not given in children.

Activity

No restrictions

Diet