Ringworm is a kind of bacterial infection caused by a specific family of microscopic organism called the Dermatophytes. This kind of infection is characterized by ring shaped rashes on the surface of the infected region. As the name implies ringworm looks exactly like a ring on the surface of the skin .however the ring is not exactly a circle and takes irregular shapes. As the ringworm is caused by fungus and it is highly communicable so it can affect many areas at a time. so you can see the rings at many places of the body at a time . for example you can have ring formation at many places at a single time including your scalp (Tinea capitis), groin area (Tinea cruris or also known as jock itch), or feet (Tinea pedis or athlete's foot). initially the rash is in the form of a dry raised patch that appears red and feels itchy . The inner areas look pale while the outer ring is red in color and quite scaly. Ringworm normally becomes visible within ten to fifteen days of infection. These symptoms of ringworms are easily recognizable however they look slight different from person to person.
This family of fungus leave on the outer side of the human skin called the hypodermis. These Dermphytes can cause ringworms in several parts of the body include scalp, body, nails and feet. These ringworm causing fungi thrive on places which remain warm and moist. Hence places like groin, feet and underarm are more prone to a ringworm attack than other places of the body. Also normally Ringworm tends to enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a scratch, cut, or broken skin due to eczema.
Ringworm Complications
Complications of the Ringworms includes the following
• Spread of ringworm to other areas
• Bacterial skin infections
• Contact dermatitis or other skin disorders
• Side effects from medications
• Kerion is a condition caused by ringworm on the scalp. This causes painful and harsh inflammation of the scalp. Kerion causes the swellings that bleed pus and forms a thick crusting on the scalp. Instead of breaking, the hair falls out or can be easily pulled out. Kerion may be caused by an overly vigorous reaction to the fungus and can lead to permanent scars and hair loss.
• Chances of spreading from one area of the body to another are there. For example it may spread from nails to skin and from groin to the foot etc.
• Skin affected by ringworm will allow other infections to enter, such as bacterial infections, which require antibiotic treatment.
• If your immune system is too week and if does not work properly such as if you have HIV or if you had undergone chemotherapy treatment, infections are more likely to spread.
• A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. |