Ringworm: Prevention and treatment.
Ringworm: What is it? How can I know have it or at least prevent it?
Hi friends, I got an invitation from a journalist to be interviewed on this particular subject matter, so I thought of sharing it with you. Have a great read.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a very common type of infection caused by a group of fungi on the scalp, hair, body, nail, underpants, feet and virtually any part of the body where there's skin, hair and nails. The words 'Tinea infection' is used medically for this condition such that it is called Tinea capitis for scalp infection, Tinea corporis if found on the body, Tinea cruris for underpant infection, inner thighs and buttocks, Tinea unguium for nail infection and it goes on like that depending on the part of the body affected.
Exactly what causes Ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by fungi, there are different types in this Tinea category. These types are also called dermatophytes (skin plants). Fungi are microorganisms that can also cause infection in humans, just like viruses and bacteria that we are familiar with. The fungi is normally carried by an insect that feeds on clothes and books which thrives better in a moist environment and releases these fungi on the skin. We can also call it a parasitic infection of the skin. The fungi live on the skin like a parasite.
How come the name Ringworm?
it is not caused by worms as it seems to be implied by the name. It will be out of place to think it is a worm hence treating it with medication for worms. It only derives its name from the shape it takes on the skin, typically looking like there's a round, defined border (ring-like) worm (raised edges) under the skin. It is not a worm and you should not expect to find a worm under the skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of Ringworm?
What someone with ringworm will present with includes: Usually a ring like formation on any area of the skin or scalp that is infected. This can be very wide and extensive.
For example, Tinea corporis (on body) could cover the whole chest or abdomen. It could also be very small which may or may not be in multiple places, hair loss (especially on the scalp); whitish, reddish or pale discoloration of the affected area, discomfort, moderate to severe itching and some psychological effects on the patient e.g low self esteem among peers.
Someone with ringworm will never be proud to show it off to others, even when clothes cover it and no one is seeing it, they can still feel uncomfortable when with someone. It can affect a child's performance in school especially in peer group work and assignments and can be worse in adolescents.
Can I easily contact Ringworm?
Yes. It is contagious meaning it can easily spread from person to person, hence direct contact with infected persons or their belongings like combs, towels should be prevented.
How can it be diagnosed?
When someone with ringworm presents in the clinic, the doctor will know this infection by its typical shape but will request a test to confirm diagnosis or another to confirm specifically the type of fungus it is. These tests may require scraping the part of skin affected and looking at it under a special light after staining with a chemical. A characteristic shape of the fungus will be seen in the laboratory, then diagnosis is considered confirmed. Blood tests can be ordered in cases where added bacteria infection is suspected.
How common is Ringworm?
A study conducted 6yrs (2014) ago among school children (9-12)yrs of age in western part of Nigeria by Olaide Olutoyin et.al showed 35% prevalence of ringworm, males slightly more than females. It was discovered also that Infection of the head (Tinea capitis) was the commonest while that of the hand (Tinea mannum) was the least among these subjects. Typically, Tinea of the head is commonest in children and that of the feet is commonest in adults in every race and culture.
Who are those at risk of having Ringworm?
Considering the manner of which this infection spread, those that are at risk (those that can get infected easily) will be:
The children and adults especially in overcrowded houses or communities like in the slums.
Those who keep pets, have roommates with ringworm or have poor personal hygiene.
People of low socio-economic status.
Children in boarding houses, camps, in institutionalized homes like correctional homes and prisons.
Children that attend creche.
People who do communal bathing; bathing together at the same time.
Some people in occupations like swimming, karate, wrestling, boxing and those in mining.
People who have the habit of sharing personal wear, combs, hair brushes and towels with people.
Internally displaced persons
The destitutes and homeless people.
Those who have atopy (excessive reactions of skin and possibly airways to allergens)
What is the treatment for Ringworm?
It is treated by the use of antifungal medications. I should say that there are many in the market but your doctor will choose the specific one for this type of fungi and will also guide you on how to use it better to prevent reoccurance. It is paramount to avoid self medication. When infected, get diagnosed and treatment will follow. Ringworm could be a very resistant and recurring infection, hence should be handled well. When you are prescribed a medication, you must take it religiously even though it seems to have disappeared until the time you are told to stop the medications. If you don't do as prescribed, you may see it comes back. On a normal day even without infection on skin, a skin should be moisturized and the use of hypoallergenic soaps is advised.
How can I prevent Ringworm infection?
It can be prevented basically by;
Ensuring optimum personal hygiene; including regular bathing and hair grooming.
Avoiding contact with infected individuals
Avoiding sharing of wears, combs, hair brushes, towels, and other personal belongings
Reporting to the hospital if you see what looks like this on you or take the affected person to the hospital.
Use of hypoallergenic soaps and soaps that are gentle on skin that can preserve the normal microorganisms that live on the skin. (some organisms that live on the skin are actually protective)
Adequate moisturisation of the skin.
Regular hand washing.
Ensuring dryness in between toes. This can be done by deliberately wiping off moisture from in between the toes.
What is the complication of Ringworm without treatment?
Someone who does not get needed treatment will have it spread to other parts of the body and even to other people around. There can also be bacteria infection in that same place. We call it superimposed infection. Like I mentioned earlier, it can have psychological effects on the infected person.
In conclusion, ringworm is a preventable communicable disease not usually serious though, caused by fungi infection that quickly spreads from person to person with high risk for recurrence and resistance. It can be diagnosed, treated and cured.
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