Description A skin infection ca...
Description
A skin infection caused by a fungus, not a worm. Fungus infections also can affect skin on the body (tinea corporis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot). There can be several patches of ringworm on the skin at once. The name comes from the characteristic rash: a red ring surrounding an area of normal appearing skin. The form involving the scalp is most often seen in children. The infection can be acquired through contact with infected humans, infected animals, or from contact with objects containing the fungus such as bedding, clothes, or hair brushes.
Symptoms
Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. These patches can have sharply-defined edges with redness around the edges and normal appearing skin in the center forming the "ring". The affected areas loose hair creating bald patches.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis can often be made by the characteristic appearance of the rash. The provider may scrape the skin lightly and then use a microscope to look for the presence of the fungus. Rarely, other testing may need to be done in the laboratory.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Telemedicine Dermatology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis can often be made by the characteristic appearance of the rash. The provider may scrape the skin lightly and then use a microscope to look for the presence of the fungus. Rarely, other testing may need to be done in the laboratory.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Telemedicine Dermatology
Treatment
Topical medications applied to the scalp are usually ineffective since they cannot penetrate deep enough into the affected area. Oral medications commonly used include: griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sponanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan). Treatment may require 4-6 weeks of medication and a response to the medication may not be apparent for weeks. Avoidance or treatment of other infected people or pets with the disease is necessary to prevent reinfection.