Ringworm, also known as "Tinea", is an infection of the skin, characterized by a reddish to brownish raised or bumpy patch of skin that may be lighter in the center, giving the appearance of a 'ring'. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by parasytic fungi (Dermatophytosis). It can exist anywhere on the body. This article is about the band. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a coding of diseases and signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or diseases, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). ... // A00-A79 - Bacterial infections, and other intestinal infectious diseases, and STDs (A00-A09) Intestinal infectious diseases (A00) Cholera (A01) Typhoid and paratyphoid fevers (A010) Typhoid fever (A02) Other Salmonella infections (A03) Shigellosis (A04) Other bacterial intestinal infections (A040) Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection (A045) Campylobacter enteritis (A046) Enteritis due to Yersinia... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... The Disease Bold textDatabase is a free website that provides information about the relationships between medical conditions, symptoms, and medications. ... eMedicine is an online clinical medical knowledge base that was founded in 1996. ... Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) is a huge controlled vocabulary (or metadata system) for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. ... This false-colored electron micrograph shows a malaria sporozoite migrating through the midgut epithelia. ... A worm is an elongated soft-bodied invertebrate animal. ... Subkingdom/Phyla Chytridiomycota Blastocladiomycota Neocallimastigomycota Glomeromycota Zygomycota Dikarya (inc. ...

Fungi are tiny organisms that survive by eating plant or animal material, those that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive best on skin that is moist, hot, and hidden from the light. Together with the other dermatophytosis, up to 20 percent of the population has one of these infections at any given moment.^{[citation needed]} Dermatophytes (name based on the Greek for skin plants) are a common label for a group of three types of fungus that commonly cause skin disease in animals and humans. ...

Transmission

Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Participants in contact sports such as wrestling have a risk of contracting the fungal infection through skin-to-skin contact. Ancient Greek wrestlers (Pankratiasts) Wrestling is the act of physical engagement between two unarmed persons, in which each wrestler strives to get an advantage over or control of their opponent. ...

Ringworm is mildly contagious. Ringworm is also a common infection in domestic animals, especially farm animals, dogs and cats. Humans can contract ringworm from these animals as humans are in close contact with them. Chickens may also be a source, due to the dirty conditions in which many poultry must live in which ringworm may thrive. Ringworm can also be caught from other humans, both by direct contact and by prolonged contact with flakes of shed skin (from sharing clothes or from house dust, for instance). This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

To catch ringworm, you have to be exposed to it and you have to be susceptible. Some people are much more susceptible than others. Those with eczema or other skin problems get ringworm more easily because the protective barrier of the skin's outer layer is less intact. Children are more susceptible before puberty. Some people are genetically predisposed, and can get it easily throughout life. For the beetle, see Exema. ...

Symptoms and diagnosis

The best known sign of ringworm in people is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges, not unlike the herald rash of Pityriasis rosea. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, then bald patches may become evident. The affected area may become itchy for periods of time. Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by patches of pink, oval rash. ...

Plucked hair treated with KOH showing ectothrix spores and hyphae from a case of feline ringworm

Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping, or in the case of animal ringworm or tinea capitis, examine plucked hairs for fungal elements. This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow. Image File history File links KOH_trichogram. ... Image File history File links KOH_trichogram. ... Brain biopsy A biopsy (in Greek: bios = life and opsy = look/appearance) is a medical test involving the removal of cells or tissues for examination. ... Robert Hookes microscope (1665) - an engineered device used to study living systems. ... An agar plate streaked with microorganisms isolated from a deep-water sponge. ...

Specialized agar plate, called Dermatophyte Test Medium is used to culture and identify ringworm organisms

Some of the fungi fluoresce under a black light examination. Image File history File links DTM_positive. ... Image File history File links DTM_positive. ... Fluorescence induced by exposure to ultraviolet light in vials containing various sized Cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots. ... Spectrum of a fluorescent black light source. ...

In domestic animals, ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms, but most cases show scaling and patches of hair loss. Some cats can be carriers, but show no symptoms.

Sometimes a ringworm infection may cause skin lesions in a part of the body that is remote from the actual infection. Such lesions are called "dermatophytids". The lesions themselves are fungus-free, and normally disappear upon treatment of the actual infection. The most common example is an eruption in the hands resulting from a fungus infection of the feet. Dermatophytids are essentially a generalized allergic reaction to the fungus. Dermatophytids are fungus-free disseminated skin lesions resulting from induced sensitization in patients with ringworm infections. ...

Treatment

The treatment for ringworm is one of the many effective topical antifungal creams, such as miconazole (Tinactin) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin). Several of these antifungal creams are now available without a prescription. Treatment may require several weeks. Only by treating for at least one week after the resolution of symptoms can one guarantee eradication. (Pets can be treated with the same medicines, but this is difficult, since they often don't get a rash with their infections. Contact your pet's veterinarian to get up-to-date information on the best treatment for animals).

Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, butenafine and tolnaftate, many available without a prescription, are used to clear up the infection. Brand names include Micatin, Tinactin, Monistat, Lotrimin, Bentax, Butop(India) and Lamisil. Generic equivalents may be available. An antifungal drug is medication used to treat fungal infections such as athletes foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), serious systemic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, and others. ... Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent commonly applied topically (to the skin) or mucus membranes to cure fungal infections. ... Clotrimazole is a potent, specific inhibitor of p450 enzymes. ... Terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, sold as Lamisil in the U.S., are indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to dermatophytes (Tinea unguium). ... Butenafine hydrochloride a synthetic benzylamine antifungal, marketed under the trade name Mentax and is the active ingredient in Schering-Ploughs Lotrimin® Ultra. ... Tolnaftate is a synthetic over-the-counter anti-fungal agent. ... Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent, developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, and commonly applied topically (to the skin) or mucus membranes to cure fungal infections. ... Tolnaftate is a synthetic over-the-counter anti-fungal agent. ... Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal agent, developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, and commonly applied topically (to the skin) or mucus membranes to cure fungal infections. ... Terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, sold as Lamisil in the U.S., are indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to dermatophytes (Tinea unguium). ...

On September 28, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that Lamisil (Terbinafine hydrochloride, by Novartis AG) is a new treatment approved for use by children aged 4 up. Antifungal granules can be sprinkled on a child's food to treat ringworm of the scalp, Tinea capitis.^[1] is the 271st day of the year (272nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... For other uses, see United States (disambiguation) and US (disambiguation). ... “FDA” redirects here. ... Terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, sold as Lamisil in the U.S., are indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to dermatophytes (Tinea unguium). ... Terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, sold as Lamisil in the U.S., are indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to dermatophytes (Tinea unguium). ... Novartis International AG is a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland. ... Treatment may refer to: // Health Therapy - the act of remediation of a health problem. ... A male Caucasian toddler child A child (plural: children) is a young human. ... Something antifungal kills or inhibits the growth of fungus. ... Granule is a generic term used for a small particle or grain. ... The scalp is the anatomical area bordered by the face anteriorly and the neck to the sides and posteriorly. ... Ringworms can also refer to fans of the Japanese Ring series of horror novels and films, as well as the US remake. ...

Treatment may be obstructed by itching, burning, cracking, and scaling that accompany this condition and prevent effective treatment. Ointments may be mixed with hydrocortisone creams such as Cortaid to reduce inflammation and speed recovery. Fungal infections may take a while to clear up, but most ringworm infections should see improvement in a week or two. Types affecting the nails or scalp are very difficult to treat due to fungal infection in follicle roots or under the nail itself. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug which may be given by injection or by topical application. ...

Griseofulvin is a traditional drug used to treat ringworm in both animals and people. It can be very effective, but likely requires a prescription and may produce side effects. In cats and cattle, sulfurated lime rinses are often used to treat ringworm; and dilute povidone iodine may be used as a wash in cattle. Enilconazole, as a rinse, is an effective ringworm treatment available in many countries for treating animals. Griseofulvin is an antifungal drug. ...

Lufenuron, the active ingredient in Program oral flea treatment, is also commonly prescribed by vets to treat ringworm infections in cats and dogs. Lufenuron is an enzyme and the active ingredient in the anti-flea veterinary medicine Program. ...

Folk remedies

Folk remedies for ringworm include:

• A 1:1 solution of cider vinegar and water.^{[citation needed]}
• Another alternative is 2 drops of tea tree oil mixed with an ounce of water.^{[citation needed]}
• Undecylenic acid (Castor oil derivative) has also been effective for some.^{[citation needed]}
• A mustard powder salve mixed with water and applied for 20 minutes may also be effective.^{[citation needed]}

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden color essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odour. ... Undecylenic Acid is an organic fatty acid derived from natural Castor oil (ricinoleic acid). ...

Prevention

Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds. The fungi may be present without any symptoms. To prevent ringworm: Skin folds are areas of skin where it folds. ...

• Do not share clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets. If you think you have been exposed to ringworm, wash your clothes in hot water with fungus-killing (fungicidal) soap.
• Shower and shampoo thoroughly after any sport that requires skin-to-skin contact.
• Wrestlers should regularly inspect the skin before practice, use protective bandages over infections while practicing or avoid competition until 1 week after symptoms resolve, and thoroughly disinfect gym pads and equipment.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and change underwear at least once a day.
• Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself completely after showers or baths.
• Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection.
• Continue topical remedies for 2 to 4 weeks after symptoms have resolved.

See also

• Folliculitis
• Pityriasis rosea
• Antifungal drugs

Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. ... Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by patches of pink, oval rash. ... An antifungal drug is medication used to treat fungal infections such as athletes foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), serious systemic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, and others. ...

References

• The Merck Manual, Twelfth Edition, 1972, p. 1451

Notes

External links

• Tinea photo library at Dermnet
• Pictures Of Ringworm