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It is hard to miss the characteristic and ring-resembling red scaly raised patches of ringworm. If you think ringworm has anything to do with worms, it’s time to learn more about it. Here is everything you need to know about ringworm, reviewed by pediatrician Dr. Eddie Cheung.
Ringworm (dermatophytosis or tinea corporis) is not a worm. It is a mild common skin infection in both humans and animals, caused by fungi such as trichophyton. It causes circle-shaped scaly rashes with raised edges that look like a worm. The rash is usually itchy.
The fungi thrive in warm humid environments, such as summers in Hong Kong. If you sweat heavily or have a weakened immunity such as from diabetes, etc., the risks of getting ringworm increases.
Different types of ringworm are found in various body parts: hands (tinea manuum), body (tinea corporis), nails (tinea unguium/onychomycosis) and beard (tinea barbae). Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a foot infection, affecting more men than women. Jock itch (tinea cruris) infects the groin, inner thighs or buttocks. Infection of the scalp (tinea cruris) is mainly seen in children between 2 and 10.
A doctor makes a diagnosis by examining the skin areas affected. Sometimes, they may take a small sample of the skin for microscopic examination or a test.
Ringworm is contagious. That being said, most of them will go away in 2 weeks time with topical anti-fungal treatment. Your child can return to school or nursery after being treated.
Incubation period: Usually 1-3 weeks.
Infectious period: While lesions are visible.
Ringworm is spread via close contacts with someone who has it, contaminated objects such as hats and towels, or contact with an infected animal for instance dogs, cats and farm animals, and contaminated soil.
You can also contract the fungi in warm damp environments like public showers and pool areas.
General signs and symptoms
Symptoms according to body locations:
Visit your doctor if:
Treatments vary with severity and body parts involved. Medications put on skin are for mild infections, while those taken by mouth are for more serious ones.
Skin and body: Topical anti-fungal creams, gels or lotions are available. Examples include clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine and ketoconazole. Apply topically twice or thrice daily for 2-4 weeks.
Scalp and nails: Oral prescription agents, such as griseofulvin, terbinafine and fluconazole are usually prescribed. Ringworm should clear in 1-3 months. Anti-fungal shampoo (selenium sulfide) is often required for everyone living together, not only the patient, to prevent is spreading further.
Athlete’s foot: Use terbinafine cream or spray 1-2 times daily for 2-4 weeks. Oral medications are for chronic or extensive cases. Your child may also use anti-fungal powder on feet and shoes.
Jock itch: Anti-fungal cream or spray is applied twice daily for 10-14 days. It is essential to treat an athlete’s foot at the same time if it is present. Otherwise, jock itch can return.
Points to note
Here are some tips to prevent ringworm.
If you have a pet at home
If your child plays sports
Dr. Eddie Cheung 張蔚賢醫生 is a specialist in paediatrics. He received his paediatric training in Queen Mary Hospital and post-fellow paediatric cardiology training in Grantham Hospital/ Queen Mary Hospital. He is a Fellow of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, the Vice President of Hong Kong Society of Paediatric Cardiology and Consultant of Hong Kong Association of Cleft Lip and Palate. He is currently working as Director of Paediatric Centre of HK Medical Consultants and serves as Infection Control Officer at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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