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| Ringworm (tinea corporis) |
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Reviewed by Professor James Ferguson, consultant dermatologist
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What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by fungus that can affect
the
scalp, skin, fingers,
toenails, or
feet.
The fungi that cause skin infection of this type can be divided
into three groups according to their favourite hosts or sources:
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geophile (from soil sources)
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zoophile (from animals)
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anthropophile (from humans).
The fungi that are usually responsible for ringworm are
zoophile and transmitted primarily through contact with animals. The scientific
term for ringworm is tinea corporis.
What causes ringworm?
It is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as
dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
Most mammals have at least one type of fungus, and usually the
animal and fungus live in peaceful coexistence without the animal ever showing
any symptoms. This does not mean that the fungus cannot be transmitted to
humans.
Children are particularly susceptible to ringworm and can pass
it on easily to other children. Adults can also become infected. Farmers and
people who work with animals that have fur are at increased risk.
What are the symptoms?
Typically, scaly red patches on the skin, the size of which
varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.
The patches are ring-shaped or oval and the edges are red and
scaly. Inside the ring, the skin may be a bit scaly but looks normal in all
other respects. The fungus spreads from the centre of the patch but the
activity is confined to the outer edge.
The infected areas are usually itchy.
Who is at risk?
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Children who come into close contact with animals.
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Farmers.
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People who work with animals that have fur, eg fur farmers,
laboratory staff, etc.
How is it diagnosed?
The rash itself will usually provide ample evidence for the
diagnosis. A scrape may be made for cultivation and
microscopic
examination. Certain fungi become fluorescent (glow in the dark) when
exposed to ultraviolet light (Wood's light).
What is the treatment?
Depending on the severity of the infection, ringworm can be
treated by using
antifungal cream or by taking
antifungal tablets.
Future prospects
If the infection is treated it will usually disappear relatively
quickly, but the treatment should normally be continued for a while after the
rash improves to eradicate the fungus.
What can be done to prevent an infection?
Fungi that can cause a skin infection are present everywhere and
are difficult to avoid. However, if possible, refrain from direct skin-to-skin
contact with people or animals suspected of having a fungal
infection.
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Based on a text by Dr Flemming Andersen and Dr Ulla Søderberg, consultant dermatologist
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Last updated 06.07.2005
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