Ringworm

By Lance Lewis

What is Ringworm?

• It is a fungal infection that affects the top layer of the skin.

• It is characterized by an itchy, red circular rash with healthy-looking skin in the middle.

• There are three types of ringworm.• 1. Athlete's foot (tinea

pedis)• 2. Jock itch (tinea cruris)• 3. Ringworm of the scalp

(tinea capitis)

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

• It is an infection that causes flaking, scaling and itch in the feet, however, it is possible that it can spread to the groin.

• It can be transmitted from person to person in moist warm areas such as bathhouses or showers.

• It can also spread to other parts of the body, most notably, the groin or underneath the toe nails.

Jock Itch (tinea cruris)

• It is an infection in the groin, more common in males

• The infection begins in the groin, then it spreads down the inner thigh, with the outer layer of the redness scaly. The skin within the border turns a reddish-brown, with tiny pimples.

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)

• The symptoms are the same as any other ringworm, however, with severe itching, dandruff, and bald patches.

• The infection is more common in pre-pubertal children that adults. It is also more common in boys than in girls.

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How to Cure Ringworm

• Take anti-fungal treatments immediately such as Lotrimin and Nizoral.

• Wash the affected areas daily.• Change and wash clothes daily.

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Prevention

• The best approach to avoiding ringworm is to wear shoes when in damp, warm areas.

• Always wear shoes when in a locker room.

• Do not share towels with anyone.• After physical activity, shower with

soap.

When to see a Doctor

• See your doctor if you have a rash on your skin that doesn't improve within two weeks.

• If excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever occurs, see your doctor immediately.

Media GalleryAthletes Foot

Jock Itch

Ringworm of the Scalp

Information Sources• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/

DS00489• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/

DS00489/DSECTION=symptoms• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/

DS00489/DSECTION=causes• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/

DS00489/DSECTION=risk-factors• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletes_foot• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jock_itch• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinea_capitis• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungal_infection

Media Sources• http://blog.healia.com/files/u5/Ringworm_0.jpg

• http://theplaceforbeauty.com/pedicurerisks/athletes_foot_danger_smelly.jpg

• http://www.allstop.com/images/examples/jock-itch4.gif

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19685.jpg

• http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/Hardin/md/pictures22/cdc/PHIL_2936_lores.jpg

• http://www.allstop.com/images/

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19685.jpgexamples/athletes-foot.jpg

• http://www.wired.com/images/article/magazine/1512/st_lotrimin_f.jpg