There are a large variety of yeasts, molds and fungi that can be found all around the world. A certain number of fungi have the ability to cause skin infections in people and domesticated animals. Unfortunately, these fungi can be easily transmitted between people, animals and even soil in some cases. These particular fungi are called dermatophytes. Dermatophytosis or ringworm is the name of the actual skin infection caused by the fungi. There is no worm involved with the infection in spite of its name.
It was once believed in earlier times that the infection was actually caused by a worm due to the round shape that it takes under the skin. This is not true however, but the name has been passed down over the years anyway. It is necessary for tests to be performed to be sure that the infection is actually caused by a fungi of some sort.
The medical name used for this type of fungal infection is tinea and is derived from a Latin term that means growing worm. Different medical variations of the term describe the different body areas affected. Tinea corporis and capitis relate to the body and scalp, while tinea pedis would describe the conditions association with the feet. There are other terms for other associations.
Dermatophytes thrive on keratin which is the substance that the outer layer of skin is comprised of. Hair and nails are also a good source of keratin. Twenty percent of the population may currently be affected by dermatophytosis. The condition is much more likely to be present in people that participate in active sports, wrestling especially.
Some fungi can be transmitted from person to person, animal to person, soil to person, etc. Often, the particular cause of a fungal infection may not be able to be determined. Fungi do grow best in moist warm areas.
Some symptoms that may be evident are skin that becomes dry and crusty with scaly areas. The drying will most likely cause itching. In some types and locations on the body blisters may form, such as with tinea pedis. In many cases the classic round circle associated with the worm like shape may be seen.
There are two different ways that Ringworm can be treated. Topical treatment with antifungal creams has a good success rate and normally will clear the condition up within a couple of weeks. When topical treatment does not work then oral medication is prescribed to treat the condition. Physicians have the option of a large variety of antifungal tablets currently available.
It was once believed in earlier times that the infection was actually caused by a worm due to the round shape that it takes under the skin. This is not true however, but the name has been passed down over the years anyway. It is necessary for tests to be performed to be sure that the infection is actually caused by a fungi of some sort.
The medical name used for this type of fungal infection is tinea and is derived from a Latin term that means growing worm. Different medical variations of the term describe the different body areas affected. Tinea corporis and capitis relate to the body and scalp, while tinea pedis would describe the conditions association with the feet. There are other terms for other associations.
Dermatophytes thrive on keratin which is the substance that the outer layer of skin is comprised of. Hair and nails are also a good source of keratin. Twenty percent of the population may currently be affected by dermatophytosis. The condition is much more likely to be present in people that participate in active sports, wrestling especially.
Some fungi can be transmitted from person to person, animal to person, soil to person, etc. Often, the particular cause of a fungal infection may not be able to be determined. Fungi do grow best in moist warm areas.
Some symptoms that may be evident are skin that becomes dry and crusty with scaly areas. The drying will most likely cause itching. In some types and locations on the body blisters may form, such as with tinea pedis. In many cases the classic round circle associated with the worm like shape may be seen.
There are two different ways that Ringworm can be treated. Topical treatment with antifungal creams has a good success rate and normally will clear the condition up within a couple of weeks. When topical treatment does not work then oral medication is prescribed to treat the condition. Physicians have the option of a large variety of antifungal tablets currently available.
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Find complete details and information about how you can get rid of Ringworm easy and fast! When you see the Ringworm pictures, you will be able to tell if you have contracted it and begin treatment using a effective lotion today.
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