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Reason for ringworm. Ringworm: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

by alexxlab

What are the common causes of ringworm. How can you identify ringworm symptoms. What are the most effective treatments for ringworm. Is ringworm contagious and how can it be prevented. Who is at higher risk of contracting ringworm.

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Understanding Ringworm: More Than Just a Ring-Shaped Rash

Ringworm, despite its name, has nothing to do with worms. It’s a fungal infection that affects the skin, causing a characteristic ring-shaped rash. This common condition, medically known as tinea corporis when it occurs on the body, can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. But what exactly causes this persistent and often misunderstood skin issue?

The Fungal Culprits Behind Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. The most common fungi responsible for ringworm infections include:

  • Trichophyton
  • Microsporum
  • Epidermophyton

These fungi are highly contagious and can spread through various means, including direct skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated surfaces, and even from animals to humans.

Recognizing Ringworm: Key Symptoms and Signs

Identifying ringworm early can lead to faster treatment and prevent its spread. The most common symptoms of ringworm include:

  • A circular, red, and scaly rash with raised edges
  • Itching and burning sensations in the affected area
  • Skin that appears cracked, scaly, or peeling
  • Hair loss in the affected area (if on the scalp)
  • Redness and inflammation

Do these symptoms always indicate ringworm? Not necessarily. Other skin conditions can present similar symptoms, which is why a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial.

Transmission Routes: How Ringworm Spreads

Understanding how ringworm spreads is key to prevention. The fungus can be transmitted through various routes:

  1. Direct contact with an infected person or animal
  2. Touching contaminated objects or surfaces
  3. Walking barefoot in areas where the fungus thrives
  4. Sharing personal items like towels, clothing, or combs

Can ringworm spread through the air? No, the fungus requires direct contact to transmit. However, its highly contagious nature means it can spread quickly in close-contact environments like schools, gyms, and households.

Risk Factors: Who’s Most Susceptible to Ringworm?

While anyone can contract ringworm, certain factors can increase the risk:

  • Living in a warm, humid climate
  • Participating in contact sports
  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Frequently using public showers or locker rooms
  • Close contact with animals, especially cats
  • Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing

Does having a pet automatically increase your risk of ringworm? Not necessarily, but regular grooming and veterinary check-ups for pets can help minimize the risk of transmission.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Tackling Ringworm Effectively

Diagnosing ringworm typically involves a physical examination and, in some cases, additional tests like a skin scraping or culture. Once confirmed, treatment options include:

Over-the-Counter Treatments

  • Antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole)
  • Antifungal powders
  • Antifungal sprays

Prescription Medications

  • Oral antifungal drugs for severe or persistent cases
  • Stronger topical medications

How long does ringworm treatment typically take? Most cases clear up within 2-4 weeks with proper treatment, but it’s essential to continue treatment for the full prescribed duration to prevent recurrence.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Ringworm at Bay

Preventing ringworm involves a combination of good hygiene practices and awareness:

  • Keep skin clean and dry
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
  • Don’t share personal items
  • Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing
  • Practice good pet hygiene
  • Shower after contact sports

Is it possible to completely eliminate the risk of ringworm? While it’s challenging to eliminate all risk, these preventive measures significantly reduce the likelihood of infection.

Ringworm in Special Populations: Children and Athletes

Certain groups may be more susceptible to ringworm or face unique challenges in managing the infection:

Children and Ringworm

Children are often more prone to ringworm due to their close contact in schools and playgrounds. They may also be less aware of hygiene practices that can prevent the spread of the fungus. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about:

  • Teaching proper hand washing techniques
  • Encouraging children not to share personal items
  • Regularly inspecting children’s skin for any unusual rashes
  • Ensuring prompt treatment if ringworm is suspected

Athletes and Ringworm

Athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports like wrestling or judo, are at higher risk of contracting ringworm. Special considerations for athletes include:

  • Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment and mats
  • Showering immediately after practices and competitions
  • Using antifungal powders or sprays preventively
  • Avoiding sharing of towels or uniforms

How can schools and sports facilities help prevent ringworm outbreaks? Implementing strict hygiene protocols, regular cleaning of shared spaces, and educating students and athletes about prevention can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Myths and Misconceptions About Ringworm

Despite its prevalence, ringworm is surrounded by several myths and misconceptions. Let’s clarify some common misunderstandings:

Myth 1: Ringworm is caused by worms

As mentioned earlier, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a parasitic worm infestation. The name comes from the ring-like appearance of the rash.

Myth 2: Only dirty people get ringworm

While good hygiene helps prevent ringworm, even the cleanest individuals can contract it through contact with infected people, animals, or surfaces.

Myth 3: Ringworm always forms a perfect circle

While the classic appearance is ring-shaped, ringworm can manifest in various shapes and may not always form a complete circle.

Myth 4: You can’t get ringworm more than once

Unfortunately, having ringworm once doesn’t provide immunity. You can contract it multiple times if exposed to the fungus again.

Why do these myths persist? Lack of accurate information and the misleading name “ringworm” contribute to these misconceptions. Education is key to dispelling these myths and promoting better understanding of the condition.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ringworm

While many cases of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary. Consider seeking medical attention if:

  • The rash doesn’t improve after two weeks of self-treatment
  • The rash spreads or becomes more severe
  • You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
  • The infection appears to be deep or involves hair follicles
  • You have a weakened immune system
  • Multiple family members or pets are affected

How can you differentiate between a mild case of ringworm and one requiring medical attention? If the rash is expanding rapidly, causing significant discomfort, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Natural Remedies and Complementary Treatments for Ringworm

While medical treatments are the most reliable way to address ringworm, some people explore natural or complementary approaches. These should not replace conventional treatments but may be used in conjunction with them after consulting a healthcare provider:

Potential Natural Remedies

  • Tea tree oil: Known for its antifungal properties
  • Apple cider vinegar: May help create an unfavorable environment for fungal growth
  • Garlic: Contains allicin, which has antifungal properties
  • Aloe vera: May soothe skin irritation and have mild antifungal effects

Are these natural remedies as effective as conventional treatments? While some natural remedies show promise in laboratory studies, they haven’t been proven as effective as standard antifungal medications in clinical settings. It’s crucial to approach these options with caution and always consult a healthcare provider before using them.

The Impact of Ringworm on Quality of Life

While ringworm is generally not a serious health threat, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. The effects may include:

  • Physical discomfort from itching and irritation
  • Embarrassment or self-consciousness about visible rashes
  • Disruption of daily activities, especially for athletes or those in close-contact professions
  • Stress related to preventing spread to family members or pets
  • Time and financial costs associated with treatment

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of ringworm? Open communication with healthcare providers, seeking support from friends and family, and focusing on treatment adherence can help manage the emotional aspects of dealing with ringworm.

Global Perspective: Ringworm Around the World

Ringworm is a global health concern, with prevalence and impact varying across different regions:

Developing Countries

In many developing countries, ringworm is more prevalent due to factors such as:

  • Limited access to healthcare and antifungal treatments
  • Crowded living conditions that facilitate spread
  • Warmer, more humid climates that favor fungal growth
  • Higher rates of malnutrition, which can weaken immune defenses

Developed Countries

In developed nations, ringworm is still common but often more easily managed due to:

  • Better access to healthcare and over-the-counter treatments
  • Greater awareness of hygiene practices
  • More resources for public health education and prevention

How do global efforts address ringworm and other fungal infections? Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) work to improve access to antifungal medications and promote education about fungal diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Future Directions in Ringworm Research and Treatment

As with many medical conditions, research into ringworm continues to evolve. Some areas of ongoing investigation include:

  • Development of new, more effective antifungal medications
  • Exploration of natural compounds with antifungal properties
  • Improved diagnostic techniques for faster, more accurate identification of fungal species
  • Research into the relationship between human microbiome and susceptibility to fungal infections
  • Studies on environmental factors influencing fungal growth and spread

What potential breakthroughs might we see in ringworm treatment in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict specific advancements, ongoing research may lead to more targeted treatments, better prevention strategies, and possibly even vaccines against certain fungal infections.

In conclusion, ringworm remains a common and persistent skin condition affecting millions worldwide. While it’s generally not severe, its impact on quality of life and its highly contagious nature make it a significant public health concern. By understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies, we can better manage and reduce the incidence of this fungal infection. As research continues, we can look forward to improved methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those affected by ringworm.

Ringworm: Who gets and causes

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Ringworm, or tinea, refers to several types of contagious fungal infections of the top layer of the skin, scalp, and nails. It is called ringworm because it causes an itchy, red rash with a ring-like appearance. On the scalp, it can cause hair loss.

Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. This fungal infection can affect different parts of the body.

This article will cover ringworm’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Different types of ringworm affect different parts of the body.

  • Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): Scalp ringworm is common in younger children, and it occasionally affects adults.
  • Body (skin) ringworm (tinea corporis): This can affect infants, children, and adults.
  • Groin infections (tinea cruris): Also known as jock itch, this is more common among people who sweat frequently, such as athletes, and people with diabetes.
  • Tinea pedis: Athlete’s foot is a foot infection that usually affects the skin on the soles, sides, and toes. It can cause stinging, burning, redness, and itching.
  • Tinea unguium: Also known as onychomycosis, it is an infection of the nail bed.
  • Ringworm in the beard area: This affects people who can grow facial hair, and it often results from contact with an animal or human who has ringworm.

Different types of ringworm have different symptoms.

Scalp ringworm

  • Small patches of scaly skin appear on the scalp.
  • Patches may feel tender or painful and can be inflamed.
  • Hair breaks away on or near the patches.
  • Kerion, or large inflamed sores, form on the scalp, and they may ooze pus.

A person with scalp ringworm may have a slight fever and swollen glands or lymph nodes, but this is uncommon.

Body or skin ringworm

Symptoms include:

  • a rash with a ring-like appearance
  • skin may be red and inflamed around the outside of the ring, but it may look normal in the middle
  • merging rings
  • rings feel slightly raised
  • itchiness, especially under the rash

Groin infection

There may be:

  • itchiness, especially in and around the groin
  • redness and a burning sensation in the affected area
  • flaky and scaly skin on the inner thighs
  • symptoms worsen when walking, running, or exercising
  • tight clothing makes symptoms worse

Beard area

Ringworm in the beard area can involve:

  • redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps
  • hair loss, which usually resolves after treatment
  • swollen glands
  • raw, open skin and raised, soft, spongy patches that weep
  • tiredness

Ringworm is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. This fungus eats keratin, which is a type of protein that makes up the:

  • nails
  • hair
  • outer layer of the skin

Dermatophytes attack the skin, scalp, hair, and nails because those are the only parts of the body with enough keratin to attract them.

Dermatophytes are microscopic spores that can survive on the surface of the skin for months. They are very resilient and can also survive in:

  • the soil
  • towels
  • combs
  • other household objects

Dermatophyte spores can spread from:

  • human to human
  • animal to human
  • object to human

If a person or animal has a ringworm infection, they may deposit fungal spores on objects and surfaces they touch. Anyone who touches those objects may contract a ringworm infection.

Children usually show symptoms when they have a ringworm infection, but many adults do not. The older an individual is, the more likely it is that their immune system will protect them. However, they may still be a carrier.

The stages in which ringworm develops depend on the type of ringworm.

On the body, patches grow slowly in size, and more patches can appear on other parts of the body. The center of the patch may clear, leaving a ring. If there are several rings, they may merge.

Athlete’s foot tends to start between the toes before spreading to the bottoms or sides of the feet, or both. The skin between the toes can then turn white and become soft.

On the nails, ringworm starts with a thickening of the skin under the nail, followed by a thickening and discoloration of the nails. Over time, the nails will lift, crumble, and disappear.

In the groin, the first sign is usually an itchy rash in the crease where the leg meets the body. This can spread to the:

  • groin
  • inner thigh
  • waist
  • buttocks

A doctor can typically diagnose ringworm or a groin infection after examining the affected area and asking the patient about their medical history and symptoms.

They may take a small scraping of the skin, which will not hurt, and examine it under a microscope to look for characteristics of fungi.

The doctor will assess whether the skin problem is being caused by some other disorder, such as psoriasis. Further testing is not usually needed unless symptoms are particularly severe.

If symptoms have not improved after treatment, the doctor may remove a small piece of affected skin and send it to a lab for analysis.

Treatment depends on the type of ringworm.

Scalp ringworm

The most common treatments for scalp ringworm are oral antifungal medications (tablets). However, the choice of medication will depend on the type of fungi involved.

Terbinafine (Lamisil): The side effects are normally mild and do not last long. They may include a decrease in appetite, pain in the muscles and joints, and an upset stomach. People with a history of liver disease should not take terbinafine.

Griseofulvin (Grisovin): The side effects, which usually go away fairly quickly, may include:

  • headache
  • indigestion
  • nausea

Antifungal shampoos: These help prevent the spread of ringworm and may speed up recovery, but they do not cure it. Various antifungal shampoos are available for purchase online.

Skin ringworm and groin infection

Most cases are treated with antifungal creams. Individuals should read the product instructions carefully — antifungal creams do not all have the same instructions. These can be purchased over the counter or online.

If symptoms are severe, or if they cover a large area of the body and do not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, a doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical medication.

A doctor may also prescribe an oral medication (taken by mouth). Oral medications can have some side effects, including:

  • stomach upset
  • rash
  • abnormal liver function

Other types of ringworm

Itraconazole (Sporanox): This oral medication is sometimes used to treat fungal infections in the fingernails and toenails. Side effects can include:

  • nausea
  • irregular heartbeat
  • abdominal pain
  • mild diarrhea
  • vomiting

Fluconazole (Diflucan): This oral medication is often used to treat more serious fungal infections, including thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Some side effects can include:

  • insomnia
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • dry mouth
  • diarrhea

There are plenty of OTC medications for fungal infections too. Many of these are topical medications and sprays.

Caring for the skin during infection

Caring for the skin properly can help speed up recovery:

  • Wash the skin gently.
  • Dry the skin thoroughly but gently.
  • Pat the skin with a towel in tender areas, but do not rub.
  • Make sure any folds and areas between the toes are dried thoroughly.
  • Change socks or underwear more often than usual if they cover an area with an infection.
  • Always treat the feet and groin at the same time, as infection often spreads from one area to another.
  • When possible, wear loose-fitting clothing and undergarments, such as boxers.

The following tips may help prevent the spread of ringworm if it occurs in a household:

  • If a pet is the source of the infection, it should be treated by a vet.
  • Everyone should wash their hands regularly and thoroughly with soap.
  • All household members should check themselves for signs of ringworm.
  • People should not share combs, hairbrushes, clothing, bed linen, towels, or footwear.
  • Anyone who has ringworm should not scratch affected areas, as this increases the risk of spreading the infection.
  • People should avoid walking around the house with bare feet.
  • Clothes should be washed in hot water with antifungal soap.

Keeping cool and wearing loose clothing may help reduce the risk.

Complications

Fungal infections rarely spread below the surface of the skin. The risk of any serious illness is very small. However, without treatment, ringworm can spread from one part of the body to another.

If the skin is broken, bacteria may enter and cause an infection.

People living with HIV, those undergoing cancer treatment, and other issues that weaken the immune system are more likely to experience a spreading of ringworm. It is more difficult to get rid of the infection if the immune system is weak.

The following risk factors either increase the chances of developing ringworm or make the symptoms worse:

  • being under age 15
  • having a weakened immune system
  • using medications that lower the immune system
  • living in a warm, humid climate
  • being close to people or animals with a ringworm infection
  • sharing clothing or towels with someone who has the infection
  • having hyperhidrosis, a condition in which a person sweats more than usual
  • playing contact sports, for instance, wrestling
  • wearing tight clothing

Ringworm: ways of infection, causes of treatment

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Ringworm

Description

There are two causative agents of ringworm – the fungi Trichophyton and Microsporum. Based on this classification, pathology can be characterized either as trichophytosis or microsporia. The difference between these fungal processes is that Trichophyton fungi belong to the group of anthropophilic agents and the disease trichophytosis can only be transmitted from person to person, while Microsporum is categorized as zooanthrophilic fungi that can be spread through contact with sick animals.
Predisposing factors for the development of ringworm are the following conditions:

  • wounds, scratches, injuries;
  • weakening of the immune system;
  • maceration (disintegration, friability) of skin structures.

Forms and symptoms of ringworm

Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, but most commonly occurs in the scalp, face, arms, legs, armpits, abdomen, and back. Depending on the degree of damage and the characteristics of the course of the pathological process, several forms of ringworm are distinguished, the symptoms of which vary somewhat:

  • Superficial lichen. It can appear in the area of ​​hair growth or on the smooth skin of the face, limbs and body. Primary signs of pathology appear in the form of round or oval lesions, which are characterized by a pinkish tint, intense peeling of the skin and the formation of whitish scaly structures. If the spot appears in the area of ​​the scalp, breakage or hair loss is observed, which leads to patchy baldness. Yellowish bubbles appear on the surface of the spot, which eventually transform into a dense crust. The diameter of skin lesions can vary widely – from 3 to 7 cm.
  • Chronic ringworm. This form can occur on the scalp or on the thighs, buttocks, and knee-elbow joints. If the symptoms form in the hair growth zone, the lesion resembles a small atrophic scar with a diameter of not more than 0.5 cm. At the same time, hair does not grow in this area, and the existing hair structures break off, forming the so-called black dot. On smooth skin, the chronic course of ringworm manifests itself in the form of rather large pink spots, which are slightly flaky and are characterized by mild skin itching.
  • Deep (infiltrative suppurative) lichen. A sign of deep ringworm is the formation of large tumor-like plaques on the head, which are bright red in color and represent an accumulation of inflamed and suppurated hair follicles. On the surface of such a plaque, purulent contents of the hair ducts are often released. Further, the skin covering this structure forms brown crusts of loose consistency. Deep ringworm is characterized by intense pain.

Diagnosis of the disease involves a comprehensive dermatological examination and bacteriological examination of skin scrapings. Therapy of this pathology requires the appointment of systemic and local antifungal drugs, immunomodulation and fortification of the body.

Specialists of the medical center “Best Clinic” have many years of experience in the treatment of ringworm of various forms, and also provide comprehensive advice on preventive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

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Caution MICROSPORIA – Regional Clinical Dermatovenerological Dispensary

Microsporia is a fungal disease affecting hair, smooth skin with or without involvement of vellus hair, extremely rarely nails, caused by fungi of the genus Microsporum.

In addition to the medical name, this fungal disease has another common name – ringworm.

The term “ringworm” is a traditional term for a group of diseases of the skin and scalp, in which the hair is affected and breaks off, resulting in the formation of bald spots. And since even 100 years ago, doctors were not able to identify infectious agents due to the lack of appropriate methods, all diseases were classified, described and named mainly according to external manifestations. That is why microsporia was called ringworm. However, with the development of science and technological progress, doctors were able to identify not only the signs of diseases, but also to isolate their pathogens, which was literally a breakthrough. During this period, it was possible to establish that the disease, which has always been called ringworm, can be caused by two types of pathogenic fungi – Trichophyton and Microsporum. And then a variety of ringworm caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton began to be called trichophytosis, and Microsporum, respectively, microsporia. But since the external signs and course of trichophytosis and microsporia are very similar, these two infections have the same common name – ringworm. Thus, according to modern concepts, microsporia is a fungal infection (mycosis) that affects the skin, hair, extremely rarely nails, and at the same time is considered one of the varieties of ringworm.

Relevance.

Currently, microsporia is the most common mycosis in children.

Infectious agent. Among fungi of the genus Microsporum, there are about 20 species that can cause disease. Mushrooms of the genus Microsporum are resistant to damaging environmental factors, as well as to various antifungal drugs, which is associated with structural features. In this type of fungus, an ultrastructurally dense thick wall was found, consisting of 6 layers, reinforced with costal protrusions. These fungi are able to remain viable in hair for up to 10 years, in skin scales – up to 7 years.

Epidemiology.

Animals, people and soil can serve as sources of microsporia.

The main animals involved in the preservation and transmission of infection are cats, especially kittens (70-80%), less often dogs (4%). Cats of light colors and brindle color are especially often affected by microsporia, apparently, this is due to reduced resistance to fungi in these cat species.

Extremely dangerous contact with stray cats and dogs, which often turn out to be sick with microsporia.

Also, infection with this mycosis is possible from a person suffering from microsporia, more often children (3-10%), and extremely rarely – from the soil (0.7%).

Monkeys, tigers, lions, wild and domestic pigs (especially piglets), horses, sheep, silver foxes, rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs and other small rodents, as well as poultry.

Mechanism of infection

Most often they become infected with microsporia directly from a sick animal when they play with it, wash it, warm it under a shirt, let it go to bed, and also through environmental objects infected from it. And since kittens are most often carriers of microsporia, there are two seasonal peaks in the increase in the incidence of this infection – in the middle of summer and in autumn, when cats give birth. To become infected with microsporia, it is enough to stroke a cat or dog that has an infection or is asymptomatic carriers.

Infection with microsporia is possible not only by direct contact with a sick animal, but also by touching objects that have hair and skin scales of an infected animal.

The fact is that cats and dogs suffering from microsporia or being carriers of the fungus can leave small and inconspicuous pieces of wool on various household items (furniture, carpets, beds, sofas, armchairs, clothes, shoes, etc.), containing fungal spores. A person, touching such pieces of wool containing spores of the fungus, also becomes infected with microsporia.

Transmission of infection from a sick person to a healthy person through direct close contact or through the use of various objects that contain scales of the skin of an infected person (for example, when using a comb, hat, hair clippers belonging to a person with microsporia).

At home – bedding, towels, clothing, bedding for animals and pet care items can be the subject of infection.

In the entrances of houses and yards, the infection can be transmitted through door mats, stairwell dust, sand in children’s sandboxes, puddle water.

The source of infection for newborns can be a baby stroller left overnight in the entrance of the house and chosen by cats.

In hairdressing salons with improper sterilization, you can become infected through hair clippers, scissors, combs, peignoirs, curlers, hair dryers, washing brushes.

If the fungus simply gets on the skin, a person will not become ill with microsporia, since the pathogenic fungus will be destroyed by normal microflora and the immune system or simply washed away during hygiene measures.

Thus, for microsporia disease, it is necessary not only to get the fungus on the skin, but also to have some predisposing factors that will allow it to penetrate the skin and provoke an infection. These include: 1. Traumatic damage to the skin; 2. Skin maceration; 3. Reduced immunity 4. Failure to comply with hygiene measures.

Interesting facts

An increase in the incidence of microsporia is noted from June to November, then decreases to a minimum by April.

Microsporia is more often registered in cities with multi-storey buildings, where stray animals come into contact with domestic animals. The incidence among neglected animals reaches 50%.

Microsporia in children is much more common in children than in adults due to two main factors. Firstly, children are more likely to come into contact with sick animals, respectively, they have a higher risk of infection. And secondly, the sebaceous glands of the skin of children do not produce acids that have a detrimental effect on fungi. That is, a fungus that has fallen on the skin of a child will cause microsporia with a much greater likelihood than an adult in a similar situation, since after puberty the glands begin to produce acids that have a detrimental effect on microsporia pathogens. It is important that children have less developed hygiene skills than adults.

Clinic

The incubation period is in most cases 1-2 weeks.

With microsporia of the scalp appear single 1 or 2 foci up to 3-5 cm in diameter, regular round-oval shape with clear boundaries. The hair in the foci becomes dull, grayish, broken off at the same level at a height of 4-6 mm, as if trimmed. At a cursory glance, the foci resemble the appearance of “gray spots”. The surface of the foci is covered with grayish scales, as if lightly sprinkled with flour.

With microsporia of smooth skin, lesions are most often observed on the face, neck, hands, forearms, shoulders, but can also be on the trunk. Typical are round or oval erythematosquamous edematous spots from 0.5 to 2-3 cm in diameter, surrounded by a continuous elevated peripheral roller, on which bubbles, quickly drying crusts, are determined. Microsporia can also affect vellus hair.

Diagnosis of microsporia.

The clinical diagnosis of microsporia must be confirmed by laboratory data.

Principles of treatment include:

  • Isolation from the sick animal;
  • Oral systemic antifungals
  • Topical antifungal ointments.

Principles of microsporia prevention

  • The main measures for the prevention of microsporia in children are teaching the baby to communicate properly with animals: the child must know that such contacts can be unsafe. The child should know the external signs of microsporia in animals, not to allow communication with sick animals. After a child has stroked a cat or dog, he should wash his hands.
  • Do not use other people’s items – such as a comb, handkerchief, etc. You can’t wear someone else’s clothes.
  • Animals, especially cats and dogs, must not be allowed into bed, warmed under a shirt. After playing with them, wash your hands immediately with warm water and soap.
  • Avoid contact with stray animals, examine domestic animals, including those that do not have contact with wild animals, reduce the risk of microsporia infection.
  • Examinations of children in organized groups (kindergartens, pioneer camps) should be carried out at least 2 times a year, using a Wood lamp
  • If a child is diagnosed with a disease, he should be isolated from other children.
  • By decision of the doctor, the patient may be referred for treatment to a specialized hospital. Indications for hospitalization are:

— severe course of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathology

— no effect of outpatient treatment;

– according to epidemiological indications: patients from organized groups in the absence of the possibility of isolating them from healthy individuals (for example, in the presence of microsporia in people living in boarding schools, orphanages, hostels, children from large and asocial families).