What is facial ringworm. How does tinea faciei spread. What are the symptoms of ringworm on the face. How is facial ringworm diagnosed and treated. Can facial ringworm be prevented. What are the risk factors for developing tinea faciei. How long does it take to cure facial ringworm.

Understanding Facial Ringworm (Tinea Faciei)

Facial ringworm, medically known as tinea faciei, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the face. This condition is caused by the same group of fungi responsible for other types of ringworm, collectively known as dermatophytes. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by worms but by these microscopic fungi that thrive on the outer layers of skin, hair, and nails.

Tinea faciei commonly appears on areas such as the forehead, around the eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin. While it’s considered relatively rare, it’s often misdiagnosed or confused with other skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, leading to potential delays in proper treatment.

Key Facts About Facial Ringworm:

• Caused by dermatophyte fungi, particularly Tinea corporis
• Affects facial areas including forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin
• Often misdiagnosed due to similarity with other skin conditions
• Can spread through direct or indirect contact
• Thrives in warm, moist environments

Causes and Risk Factors of Tinea Faciei

The development of facial ringworm is influenced by various factors, ranging from environmental conditions to personal health and lifestyle choices. Understanding these causes and risk factors can help in prevention and early intervention.

Primary Causes of Facial Ringworm:

1. Direct contact with infected individuals or animals
2. Indirect contact through contaminated objects (fomites)
3. Warm, moist environments that promote fungal growth
4. Poor hygiene practices
5. Weakened immune system

Can a compromised immune system increase the risk of facial ringworm? Yes, individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to medical conditions like diabetes or psychological factors such as chronic stress, are more susceptible to fungal infections, including tinea faciei. The immune system plays a crucial role in defending against pathogens, and when it’s compromised, opportunistic fungi can more easily establish infections.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Facial Ringworm:

• Poor nutrition, especially diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Chronic stress, which can suppress immune function
• Inadequate personal hygiene, particularly after sweating
• Sharing personal items like towels, hats, or makeup
• Close contact with infected pets or farm animals

Recognizing the Symptoms of Tinea Faciei

Identifying facial ringworm early can lead to faster treatment and resolution of the infection. The symptoms of tinea faciei can vary but typically include distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other skin conditions.

Common Symptoms of Facial Ringworm:

• Circular or ring-shaped rashes on the face
• Redness and inflammation in the affected areas
• Itching or burning sensation
• Scaly or flaky skin within the rash
• Raised borders around the edges of the rash
• Possible hair loss in affected areas with hair growth (e.g., eyebrows)

How does facial ringworm differ from other skin conditions? Unlike eczema or rosacea, facial ringworm typically presents with a more defined, circular pattern and often has a clearer border. The presence of scaling and the characteristic ring shape can help distinguish it from other facial skin issues. However, definitive diagnosis often requires professional evaluation.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Tinea Faciei

Proper diagnosis of facial ringworm is crucial for effective treatment. While the characteristic appearance can suggest tinea faciei, healthcare providers may use additional diagnostic methods to confirm the infection and rule out other conditions.

Diagnostic Approaches for Facial Ringworm:

1. Visual examination by a dermatologist or healthcare provider
2. Wood’s lamp examination (some fungal species fluoresce under UV light)
3. Skin scraping and microscopic examination
4. Fungal culture to identify the specific dermatophyte species

What are the most effective treatments for facial ringworm? Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, which can be topical or oral depending on the severity and extent of the infection. Topical antifungals such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate cases. For more severe or persistent infections, oral antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed.

Treatment Protocol for Tinea Faciei:

• Application of topical antifungal creams or ointments for 2-4 weeks
• Oral antifungal medications for severe or resistant cases, typically for 1-4 weeks
• Maintaining good facial hygiene during treatment
• Avoiding makeup or other facial products that may irritate the skin
• Follow-up appointments to ensure complete resolution of the infection

Preventing the Spread of Facial Ringworm

Prevention is key in managing the spread of tinea faciei, both to avoid personal infection and to protect others from contracting the fungus. Understanding and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing or transmitting facial ringworm.

Effective Prevention Strategies:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene, especially after sweating
2. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, hats, or makeup
3. Keep skin clean and dry, particularly in warm, humid conditions
4. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing during physical activities
5. Regularly clean and disinfect shared surfaces in gyms or public showers
6. Practice good pet hygiene and seek veterinary care for pets with skin issues

How can one prevent reinfection after treatment? To prevent recurrence, it’s essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Additionally, disinfecting or replacing personal items that may have been contaminated, such as pillowcases, hats, or makeup brushes, can help prevent reinfection.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Tinea Faciei Risk

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to facial ringworm. By making informed decisions about diet, stress management, and personal care, one can create an environment less conducive to fungal growth and infection.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Facial Ringworm Risk:

• Dietary habits and nutritional status
• Stress levels and stress management techniques
• Physical activity and hygiene practices
• Sleep patterns and overall health
• Environmental exposures and living conditions

Can dietary changes help prevent or manage facial ringworm? Yes, a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support immune function can help the body resist fungal infections. Foods high in probiotics, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc can be particularly beneficial. Conversely, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates may help reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth.

Nutritional Strategies for Supporting Skin Health:

1. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir
2. Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables
3. Include lean proteins and healthy fats in your diet
4. Stay hydrated with adequate water intake
5. Consider supplements like vitamin D if deficient

Long-Term Management and Complications of Tinea Faciei

While facial ringworm is generally treatable, proper long-term management is crucial to prevent recurrence and potential complications. Understanding the possible long-term effects and adopting strategies for ongoing skin health can help individuals maintain clear, healthy facial skin.

Potential Complications of Untreated Facial Ringworm:

• Spread of infection to other parts of the body
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Scarring or changes in skin pigmentation
• Chronic or recurrent infections
• Psychological distress due to appearance concerns

What are the best practices for long-term skin health after tinea faciei? Maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is essential. Regular skin checks and prompt attention to any new or unusual skin changes can help catch and address potential issues early.

Long-Term Management Strategies:

1. Develop a consistent, gentle skincare routine
2. Use non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products
3. Protect skin from excessive sun exposure
4. Monitor for any signs of recurrence or new skin issues
5. Address underlying health conditions that may increase susceptibility

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for facial ringworm, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their skin health. While tinea faciei can be a challenging condition, with proper care and attention, it can be effectively managed and prevented, allowing for clear, healthy facial skin.

Facial ringworm – The causes, treatments and symptoms

An introduction to facial ringworm

Facial ringworm, otherwise known as tinea faciei, is a variant of ringworm that commonly affects facial areas such as the forehead, around the eyes, the nose, cheeks and chin.

It is considered to be rare, although it is often misdiagnosed or initially confused with other skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.

Facial ringworm is caused by a fungus called Tinea corporis (but called Tinea faciei when occuring on the face). When facial ringworm occurs in men around the beard area, it is known as tinea barbae.

When this fungus is provided with adequate breeding conditions, such as sweat, warmth and darkness, it can reproduce exponentially, eating your dead skin cells and triggering an adverse reaction on the surface of your skin.

The causes of facial ringworm

The causes of facial ringworm are similar, in some ways, to the triggers of other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot or jock’s itch. It is often your lifestyle and dietary habits, alongside the strength of your immune system, that determine your susceptibility to contracting the infection.

Once you are able to recognise these causal factors, though, it becomes easier to take preventative steps towards avoiding the contagion and relieving your troubling symptoms.

Weak immune system: Your immune system plays a crucial role in protecting your body, keeping it safe from potential threats and invasive germs. When your immune system is working well, you can resist infections and viruses; however, if your immune system is exhausted, this is when problems can occur.

If your immune system is under pressure either by an existing health condition such as diabetes or obesity, or a psychological complaint such as stress, then it struggles to combat pathogens and thus bacteria is able to enter your body more easily. This can make you more vulnerable to a fungal infection like facial ringworm.

Poor nutrition: If you fall into bad dietary habits it can have a knock-on effect on other areas of your body, particularly your digestive tract. Foods that have high levels of sugar, carbohydrates and saturated fat often feed the unfriendly bacteria found in your gut, increasing the population of bad vs good bacteria and yeast populations. When this happens, it could risk aggravating your symptoms elsewhere, and potentially fuel fungal reproduction.

Stress: Stress can have some extremely negative repercussions for your immune and digestive systems. This is because stress stimulates your sympathetic nervous system and can inspire a ‘fight or flight’ reaction from your immune system.

Believing that you are in a life or death situation, the immune system will release a wave of inflammatory chemicals to dilate your blood vessels and accelerate your pulse. Your blood sugar levels will also rise, providing the unfriendly bacteria in your gut with plenty of food, potentially upsetting the balance of friendly and unfriendly bacteria.

Your stress levels can also impact your digestion, causing bouts of constipation, which can also affect your unfriendly bacteria.  Now imagine this process keeps repeating itself – eventually your immune system is going to get sluggish and the friendly bacteria in your gut will be overwhelmed, allowing bad bacteria or yeast populations to multiply uninhibited.

Poor hygiene: Sweat can encourage the production of bad bacteria found on the surface of your skin, allowing fungus to reproduce in a warm, moist environment.

If you wash daily, especially after vigorous exercise, it can deprive the bacteria of the conditions they need to multiply, however, special care should be taken when you are drying yourself, as dampness can provide fungal spores with the correct surroundings to reproduce.

Dry yourself thoroughly and make sure that you wash your towels regularly.

Direct contact: Fungal infections are highly contagious, which is why they thrive so well in overcrowded and hectic environments. Skin to skin contact should be avoided at all costs, or you can contract the illness from an affected party and provide the disease with a whole new breeding ground.

Animals are also prime suspects when it comes to the spreading of ringworm, so make sure your pets are clean and ringworm free before giving them a pat.

Indirect contact: As unfair as it may seem, you do not even have to be in close contact with a sufferer of ringworm to catch the condition. Fungal spores can linger on clothing, bed linen and towels so you should avoid sharing these materials with other people and was them regularly.

It might be an idea to dry your laundry with a tumble dryer rather than leaving them outside as bacteria can still breed on damp material and fungal spores might land on your clothing, and permeate your skin.

Obesity: Obesity can be a health condition with serious repercussions. If you are overweight, you are stressing your immune system, which may struggle to keep up with the increased demands of your body. Obesity also suggests poor nutrition and the consumption of trigger foods rich in sugar and saturated fight. To compound these side-effects, you are also more likely to sweat if you are obese, aiding and abetting the reproduction of bad bacteria on the surface of your skin.

Sunlight: Exposure to the sun might seem like a good idea, drying out the damp skin pores that are susceptible to fungal infections. However, sunlight can be quite harsh on skin, especially skin that is already flaking and experiencing a lot of stress. This is particularly true with the face, as this area of your skin is often more visible than other parts of your body and sunlight might just exacerbate existing symptoms of dryness, scaling and weakness.

The symptoms of facial ringworm

The symptoms of facial ringworm are often more visible and psychological impactful than other forms of fungal infections that occur on areas of the body that can be concealed. The condition can be similar to scalp ringworm in the affect that it has on your confidence and the way it can influence your emotional behaviour.

Inflammation: Inflammation is your body’s way of trying to protect the affected area from further harm. The immune system releases inflammatory chemicals such as histamine, which will often trigger swelling in the face in order to help the damaged skin cells heal.

Ringworm rash: Ringworm is infamous for causing a red circular rash to appear on the sufferer’s body. This rash can occur on the face and it is usually one way to distinguish your condition from other skin complaints such as eczema or rosacea.

Itching:  Whenever your skin is dry, cracked and irritated you will immediately want to scratch it in order to shift the dead skin cells and ease the discomfort. However, itching should be firmly discouraged in patients of facial ringworm as it can interrupt the skin’s healing process and cause fungal spores to come to rest on your hands, possibly spreading the infection to other areas of your body.

Dry skin: Dry skin is a common occurrence in many different skin conditions. When the fungal spores attack and eat our skin cells, it can weaken the membranes of the remaining skin cells, making them more prone to flaking and becoming cracked and scaly.

Blistering: Blisters can appear during ringworm and are usually filled with pus. These blisters should not be scratched or squeezed as it will only aggravate them and potentially stop them from healing. However, if your blisters start to ooze larges amounts of blood, you should seek advice from your doctor to avoid further health complaints such as cellulitis.  

Stress: Stress is a psychological condition that can have great influence over your immune system. When you are confronted with an infection with physical symptoms as visible as facial ringworm, you can find that you feel more vulnerable, and uneasy in public situations. This will then trigger your ‘flight or fight’ instincts, stressing out the adrenal glands, and placing pressure on your immune system.

Home remedies

Facial ringworm can be one of the more difficult fungal infections to cope with, not only because of how it impacts our psychological state but also because of how exposed and vulnerable the skin on our face can be. There are a number of home remedies that have survived the test of time, so it might be worth having a look at some of them.

Relax: If you find that you are becoming more and more stressed by the physical symptoms of facial ringworm, then it is important to try to find ways of relaxing. Stress will only make you feel miserable and it will definitely have a knock-on effect on your facial ringworm symptoms.

Try to be kind to yourself – set aside some time in the day for pursuing the activities that you want to pursue; read a book, practice gentle exercises such as yoga or try mindful meditation.

Good nutrition: Your diet can be a useful weapon in the fight against the fungal infections. Foods such as onions, garlic and yoghurt contain natural anti-fungal properties, meaning that they will discourage the growth of fungi in your digestive tract and limit the reproductive capabilities of fungal spores.

It is also important to support your immune system at this time as well, so eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to give your adrenal glands a much needed boost. You could try whipping up one of our nutritious smoothies or start replacing caffeine-rich beverages with healthier substitutes, such as Bambu or herbal teas.

Wear protective clothing: If the sun is irritating your facial ringworm symptoms then you could try wearing a hat or sunglasses to keep the sensitive skin around your eyes out of way of harsh UV lights. If you enjoy pottering around in the garden or enjoy a profession that keeps you in contact with animals, then remember to wear gloves as our furry friends are prime carriers of fungal infections such as ringworm.

Avoid contagions: If you are trying to prevent the spread of ringworm, or simply trying to avoid the infection altogether, then you should be aware of whom you are interacting with.If you know that your friend is getting over the infection then going up to them and giving them a big hug is probably not a good idea.

Pets also carry fungal spores on their fur and if they are suffering from ringworm you should show them some kindness and get them treated by the vets straight away.

Good hygiene: If you are fond of exercising, then it is imperative that you shower properly after working out. Sweat provides a breeding ground for bad bacteria and paves the way for the spread of fungal infections. After you shower, dry yourself thoroughly, including your face, feet and hair and make sure that the rest of your home is cleaned regularly to avoid the condition spreading to other members of your household.

Garlic: The Department of Botany and Microbiology at the Kuwait University researched the anti-fungal properties of garlic and uncovered that allicin, a compound found in garlic and onions restricted the reproduction of the fungal strain responsible for infections such as ringworm.¹

Garlic can be diluted and distributed topically to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and the growth of fungal spores, or you could try taking a supplement like Allicin max, which contains high levels of allicin.

Corn flour paste: An old one but a good one, corn flour paste is made using corn flour starch and water. Corn starch is great at absorbing water, meaning that it can deprive the bacteria and fungal spores of the conditions that they need to survive.

Yoghurt: Yoghurt, like garlic, is an anti-fungal food that can be applied topically to the affected area. It can regulate the reproduction of fungal spores because of the good bacteria that the product contains. This friendly bacteria stems the growth of fungal spores and the spread of bad bacteria.

Herbal teas: There so many benefits to drinking herbal teas that it may not come as a surprise to find out that they can also fight fungal infections. Teas such as ginger, chamomile, liquorice and goldenseal all contain anti-fungal properties, making them a useful tool when it comes to tackling fungal infections. These teas should be drank several times a day or applied topically to the area most affected by the infection.² 

¹http://www.microbiologyresearch.org/docserver/fulltext/micro/134/11/mic-134-11-2917. pdf?expires=1467026540&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=0460855BAFC014E8E9A69E510AF2D1F0

²https://www.homemademedicine.com/home-remedies-ringworm.html

Herbal remedies

There are a variety of herbal remedies available to tackle the symptoms of ringworm. If you find that your symptoms are still persisting after two weeks, then you should seek medical advice from your GP to avoid further complications.

Neem cream: Neem Cream is made from extracts of neem leaves, a popular ingredient in many different herbal solutions. Neem has many beneficial properties that make it excellent at soothing dry, irritated skin. Just be aware that this product should not be used by those that suffer from nut allergies, or pregnant/breastfeeding women

Echinaforce^®: Echinaforce^® is a remedy that is often taken to help with colds and flu because it works to support the immune system and encourage immune function. It is made from extracts of Echinacea and can be taken by children over the age of 12. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it might be best to speak to your doctor before taking this treatment

Molkosan^®: Molkosan^® is a digestive remedy that improves the count of good bacteria in your gut. This good bacteria then goes on to regulate the amount of yeast in our intestines, reducing the possibility of catching a fungal infection and easing pre-existing ringworm symptoms.

Stress relief daytime: If your symptoms are starting to affect your moods and disturbing your sleeping pattern then you can always try taking Stress Relief Daytime. This is a gentle remedy designed to help you cope in situation of pressure and stress.

Conventional medicines

Conventional medicines often concentrate on alleviating your physical symptoms, as well as eliminating the root of your discomfort – the Tinea faciei, fungal infection.

It’s important to remember, though, that most traditional medicines can stimulate a number of unpleasant side-effects. If you feel that you are suffering unduly due to your mediciation, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Anti-fungal creams: The first direction you will normally be pointed in will be over the counter anti-fungal creams. These are applied topically to the affected area but, if they do not work, it is important that you speak to your doctor as they might be able to prescribe another anti-fungal alternative.

Steroid creams: Steroid creams are considered to be a step higher up the strength ladder than the traditional anti-fungal creams. However, they should not be taken for more than 10 days consecutively as they can trigger a variety of unpleasant side-effects.

Anti-fungal tablets: Anti-fungal tablets have to be prescribed to you by your doctor. They are taken orally as directed by your doctor, but like steroid creams, they can cause a range of side-effects. If you experience any additional symptoms then you should go back to your doctor and they might be able to recommend another variant of medication.

Anti-depressants: If you find that your facial ringworm infection is really making you feel low and causing you mood swings, then your doctor might suggest a course of anti-depressants. The successful of these depend greatly on whether they are compatible with your hormones and can cause many different side-effects. You may have to try several varieties before you find the one that works for you.

Ringworm: Diagnosis and treatment

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Ringworm in a cat. Causes, symptoms, treatments

Dermatophytosis, that is, a superficial fungal infection of the hair, nails and skin, is a highly contagious disease. It rarely results in death or serious complications, but it should not be taken lightly. It can occur in cats of any age, but kittens or very old, immunocompromised cats are most commonly affected.

The lesions may resemble many other skin diseases. If you notice ring baldness, pimples, lumps, or increased amounts of sebum on your pet’s coat, you should immediately contact your veterinarian for an appointment – it could be athlete’s foot.

Causes of mycosis in cats

Mycosis in cats is most often caused by fungi of the genus Microsporum or Trichophyton. Infection occurs through direct contact with a sick cat or carrier. There is also the possibility of transfer of pathogenic spores from the environment, for example, by contact with the den where the sick cat previously slept.

Fortunately, exposure to pathogens alone is not enough. Infectious spores have yet to overcome defense mechanisms, namely:
1) innate immune cells that protect the cat’s body from infection – they recognize microbes and direct an immune response against them;
2) the physiological microflora of the skin, that is, all microorganisms that feed on its surface, but do not cause any diseases and do not pose a threat to the body, but are a defense against spores;
3) a layer of sebum that isolates the surface layer of the skin from the environment, protecting it from external factors.

In addition, by licking the coat, cats remove dirt accumulated on its surface, including infectious spores and other pathogens.

Cats most commonly affected by athlete’s foot

Cats that live in large populations or have frequent contact with other cats are more likely to develop fungal skin infections. Mostly these are animals living in shelters for homeless animals, or cats taking part in exhibitions.

Older cats, whose immune system is weakened as a result of the body’s natural aging processes, or kittens that have not developed this immunity to the end, are more likely to suffer. Dogs with diseases that compromise their immune system (such as feline leukemia) or who are taking medications that weaken their immune system (such as glucocorticosteroids) are also at risk of infection.

Among cat breeds predisposed to diseases, all long-haired cats, especially Himalayan and Persian cats, should be distinguished.

Infection is promoted by stress associated with, for example, renovation of an apartment or a move, the invasion of ectoparasites that feed on the skin or in its superficial layers, and trauma, as a result of which the skin is damaged.

Symptoms of ringworm in cats

Fungal skin infection in cats affects the calloused areas of the hair, claws and, in rare cases, the superficial layer of the skin. Symptoms are not always specific. The classic lesion is alopecia areata with slowly expanding scaling. It can also be accompanied by seborrhea, but not necessarily. Changes may be indicated by areas of discoloration or discoloration, redness or localized blackheads may appear on the skin.

The most common lesions are around the head (tinea pedis in cats), on the limbs, on the abdomen, on the sides of the body, on the tail and back. As the disease progresses, the area where symptoms are observed may continue to expand.

Fungal infection of the skin does not itch, so cats should not itch. However, you should be aware that the disease often occurs in parallel, for example, with a bacterial infection or parasitic infestation, which may have other symptoms, including itching. The cat then scratches more intensely, licking itself, or biting the itchy area.

It is also worth noting that some cats never show symptoms. In this case, it is worth talking about the so-called asymptomatic carrier.

Treatment of ringworm in cats

Treatment of ringworm in cats should begin with a short haircut. This will help reduce the spread of fungi in the environment and increase the effectiveness of topical preparations. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment based on all test results and your pet’s general condition.

These can be gargles with dilute California liquid, miconazole with chlorhexidine, or enilconazole. They are recommended to be used usually once or twice a week, unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian. An alternative are shampoos containing ketoconazole or climbazole in the appropriate concentration.

Topical treatment of mycosis in cats can be supplemented with medications to be given to the cat with meals. Good results are obtained, for example, the use of itraconazole.

You should know that ringworm in a cat can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to heal. This affects not only the type of mushrooms, but also the stability of the pet. When his immune system is weakened and does not work effectively, then it will be more difficult to overcome the disease. Therefore, symptoms may persist for several weeks despite treatment.

Ringworm is most often a chronic disease in cats with long hair or in cats living in large populations where it is difficult to control the health of pets.

Prognosis of athlete’s foot in cats

The caregiver must be aware that treatment requires complex measures. It is important to get rid of disputes once and for all, but, oddly enough, this is not the most important thing.

More research should be done to find out why the cat is sick – perhaps her immune system is weakened and needs help. An effective immune system will deal with dermatophytes much faster. Dermatophytosis is more common in animals infected with FIV or FeLV and should therefore be ruled out as soon as possible.

If you have more pets at home, it is worth discussing preventive measures with your veterinarian, which in this case includes the use of drugs (usually in smaller doses) for pets that live with a sick cat but do not yet have symptoms of athlete’s foot.

A very important element in preventing remission and infection of other animals is the disinfection of the environment in which the sick cat lives. You must thoroughly vacuum all nooks and crannies, launder bedding, linens, carpets and upholstery. Such treatments aim to reduce the number of spores in the environment.

Some cats may experience spontaneous remission of the disease within 3 months.

Human athlete’s foot risk

Skin mycosis in cats is a more complex problem that can pose a risk to all households, not just those who walk on all fours.
Dermatophytosis is a disease that can be transmitted from a cat to humans and other animals, or vice versa – people can infect animals, including cats. The risk of human infection from a cat is low. Dermatophytes will have to overcome the protective barrier of the skin, which is microorganisms that physiologically live on its surface, and innate immunity, which, contrary to appearance, is not so easy for a healthy person.

Children who do not have fully developed immunity and the elderly are more likely to get sick. For the sake of your health and the health of your loved ones, it is worth consulting a doctor if your pet has superficial skin mycosis.

The material was prepared by the specialists of the veterinary clinic of Darya Sukhova.

If you notice a change in your pet’s condition and it causes concern, call +7 (3452) 66-28-58 or come to our veterinary clinic immediately. The sooner a veterinarian makes a diagnosis, the sooner the pet will recover.

The material was prepared by the specialists of the veterinary clinic of Darya Sukhova.

You can make an appointment at the veterinary clinic of Daria Sukhova by phone +7 (3452) 66-28-58, on the website or come to us right away. The sooner a pet visits a veterinarian, the sooner they will be able to provide qualified assistance!

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Contents

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Ringworm is a predominantly fungal skin disease that has many varieties. As a rule, the main manifestation of lichen is the appearance of spots or flaky areas on the skin. Depending on whom, which pathogen caused a particular disease, lichens differ in localization, severity, and also in the degree of contagiousness.

Doctors of the Department of Dermatology of the Clinical Hospital on Yauza carry out comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of lichen, developing individual therapy programs for patients.

Lichen symptoms

Lichen, regardless of the type, is characterized by the appearance of various rashes on the skin. Among the main types of lichen, the following can be distinguished.

Ringworm (trichophytosis). This disease can be localized to smooth skin, scalp or nails. As a rule, only one area is affected. The main manifestations of trichophytosis are hair loss that looks like cut hair (hence the name of the disease), the appearance of peeling areas on the skin, and a white coating on the skin. In some cases, ulcers may occur.

Shingles (herpes zoster). The disease is not fungal in nature, its source is the herpes virus. The same virus causes chickenpox. Once in the body, the virus remains and is localized in the nerve cells. With a weakened immune system, stress, hypothermia, the virus is activated, the patient notes soreness along the nerves, and then skin rashes appear. Their usual localization is also along the course of the nerves.

Pink lichen (pithyriasis). This disease is manifested by the appearance of pink scaly spots on the skin, while itching and discomfort are usually absent. As a rule, those who have had pink lichen develop immunity to it, the disease is not highly contagious, and even with daily contact (for example, within the same family), infection does not occur in all cases. Pink lichen is characterized by seasonal exacerbations, in the autumn-spring period, when there are sharp fluctuations in temperature. The disease can go away on its own, without additional treatment.

versicolor (pityriasis). This disease is mainly characteristic of people who live in places with a hot and humid climate. With this form of lichen, spots appear on the skin (pinkish, yellowish-brown), itching or any discomfort is absent. The skin in the area of ​​the spots may peel off a little. Usually the disease affects the skin of the chest, back and shoulders.

Causes and pathogenesis of lichen

Most forms of lichen (except herpes zoster) are caused by fungi. Normally, they are present on the skin, but do not pose a danger to humans. In the event of a weakened immune system, hypothermia, an infectious disease, emotional stress, the protective mechanisms weaken and a fungal infection begins to develop.

Infection can occur through household contact, when using the same things with a sick person, through contact with animals.

Diagnosis and treatment of lichen at the Clinical Hospital on Yauza

Diagnosis of lichen depends on the form of the disease in each individual patient. Common to all is a visual examination by a dermatologist, as well as:

• blood and urine tests
• skin scraping analysis
• Wood’s lamp study
• immunological examination
• assessment of the general condition, identification of diseases that may contribute to a decrease in immunity, etc.

The treatment program is developed based on the type of disease. For therapy, antifungal drugs are used (external and for oral administration), and the therapy of those diseases that led to the development of lichen is also carried out.