We get ringworm by touching people or animals that already have it. Within the medical staff of Top Doctors we have Dr. Miquel Casals Andreu, specialist in Dermatology and Child Dermatology, and expert in skin infections, Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis among other skin pathologies.
Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails. These fungal infections are named according to their location on the body. Some examples are:
- Tinea capitis: occurs on the scalp.
- Tinea corporis: occurs on areas of the body.
- Tinea cruris: the affected area is the groin.
- Tinea faciei: affects the face area.
- Tinea pedis: when it affects the feet, better known as “athlete’s foot”.
- Tinea unguium or onychomycosis: fungal infection of the nails.
How ringworm is transmitted and how it manifests itself
Family members and close contacts can spread the fungus from one to another. The fungi that cause ringworm can live on carpets, brushes, hats, floors or pets such as cats, guinea pigs, rabbits or dogs.
The appearance of ringworm, as well as the symptoms, can vary according to the different parts of the body. Some tips to avoid the transmission of ringworm:
- Avoid sharing brushes, combs, hats, pillows and towels.
- Keep combs and brushes clean.
- After bathing or showering, dry the folds of the body thoroughly, especially the interdigital spaces of the feet.
- Wear sandals in showers, public baths and swimming pools.
- Change socks daily.
Types of tinea according to the area they affect
- Tinea capitis: affects the scalp.
The scalp may show scales reminiscent of dandruff. Pus pimples, hair claps or broken hairs may also be observed. In some people, the fungus causes increased inflammation with redness, crusting and oozing on the head, and enlarged lymph nodes may appear in the neck.
In case of alopecia, this is usually temporary and the hair grows back after treatment. However, if the fungus has caused a lot of inflammation, with residual scarring, the hair may not recover completely.
- Tinea corporis, faciei and cruris: involvement of the body, face and groin.
They appear in the form of a red ring, with desquamation at the periphery and the center spared. In some cases multiple rings are observed, in others partial rings, and sometimes they can also appear one on top of the other giving rise to irregular shapes.
- Tinea pedis or athlete’s foot
The skin shows a moist and scaly appearance in the interdigital spaces. In some cases, red scaly rings are also seen on the dorsum of the feet, as well as scaling of the soles and sides of the feet. Sometimes blisters can also be seen.
- Onychomycosis: nail fungus
More common in adults than in children. The nails appear thicker and yellow. Peeling may occur under the nail, especially on the outer edge.
How ringworm is diagnosed and treated in humans
The dermatologist will perform a careful examination of your skin and nails. In some cases, to confirm the diagnosis, tests such as microscopic examination of hairs, scales or nail fragments for the fungus will be necessary, or a laboratory culture, which although a more specific test may take up to four to six weeks to give the result.
There are several treatments, both topical and oral. The type and duration of treatment will depend on the variety of ringworm.
- Treatment of ringworm of the face, body, groin and feet
If the infection is limited, topical treatment using creams, lotions and gels is used. Examples are terbinafine, ketoconazole and ciclopirox olamine. These medications should be used for several weeks. If the infection is extensive, treatment with oral antifungals may be necessary.
- Treatment of tinea capitis and ringworm of the head and nails
They almost always require oral antifungal treatment, for weeks or even months. Examples are terbinafine, fluconazole and itraconazole. In the case of tinea capitis, the use of an antifungal shampoo is also recommended, both for the affected person and the people living with him/her.