Facts About Ringworm

Ringworm, also known as Tinea, was once thought to be caused by a worm, but the fact is that it is actually a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. Some of the ringworm fungi cause round spots on the skin, but not all round spots that appear on the skin are because of a fungal infection.

The world around us is full of many yeasts, molds, and fungi, but only a few of these actually cause problems to a person's skin. Those that do cause skin problems are scientifically known as dermatophytes, or skin fungi. These fungi live in the dead keratin protein layer that is on top of the skin; it is very rare that they go any deeper, and they simply cannot live within the mucus membranes of the body. Some fungi can only live on the hair, skin, or nails of a human, while others live on animals and are rarely found on humans at all. Other types of fungi can only survive in soil. Due to the many different fungi and the places they live, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint how a person may have gotten "ringworm", or skin fungus.

Fungi grow and thrive in warm, moist areas. It is quite common for a person with a fungal skin infection to have it in the folds of the skin, such as in the groin area or between the toes. These areas of the body tend to be warm and moist.

There are many types of ringworm. Each specific type is named in relation to the area of the body where it is located.

Tinea barbae is found on the area of the body where one would grow a beard on the face and neck. This type of ringworm is noted by swelling, crusting around the infection, and often times, itching. Years ago, this type of ringworm was known as "Barber's itch" due to its location and the fact that men would go to the barber to get a shave.

Tinea capitis is found on the scalp. This type of ringworm is common in children and young adults and can spread throughout schools. This type of ringworm looks scaly on the scalp and can be associated with bald spots.

Tinea corporis is also known as classic ringworm. It affects the skin all over the body. This type of ringworm is a round spot on the skin that appears to have a ring around the outer edges. The edges are called active edges because the ringworm grows and spreads slowly. It can be easy for a person to mistake this type of ringworm with eczema or other common skin rashes.

Tinea cruris is also known as jock itch because it is located in the groin area. Typically, this type of ringworm tends to appear reddish-brown in color and extend from the fold of the groin down onto one or both thighs. It can be mistaken with other things such as psoriasis, yeast infection, or even chafing.

Tinea faciei is ringworm that is on the face in any location except where the beard would grow. This particular type of ringworm is not classically round in shape. It generally causes red, scaly patches on the skin that have no distinct edges.

Tinea manus or Tinea manuum is ringworm that is on the hands, in particular on the palm of the hand or between the fingers. It generally causes the skin to thicken in the affected area, and will commonly only affect one hand. It is common for a person to have this type of ringworm at the same time as having ringworm on the feet.

Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, is ringworm that is on the feet. Scaly, inflamed skin between the toes is common with this type of ringworm. The most commonly affected area is that between the last two toes on the foot. Anther type of ringworm on the feet causes the skin to thicken or become scaly on the heels and soles of the feet, this type of ringworm is often referred to as moccasin distribution due to the way it spreads over the foot. Ringworm of the feet is very common and the most persistent of all ringworm infections. It is not common ion children before their adolescent years, and it may happen along with other ringworm infections, such as jock itch.

Tinea unguium or onychomycosis is ringworm that affects the nails. It causes fingernails and/or toenails to become yellow and thick. The nails easily crumble rather than having the normal consistency.

Each type of ringworm has its own characteristics, and is often known by different, more common names. Even so, any type of fungal infection on the surface of the skin is known as ringworm. It is important to know that not all spots on the skin are ringworm, the only definitive way of knowing is to have the area tested by a doctor.

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To help prevent ringworm, a person should try to minimize excess moisture on their skin. For example, rather than wearing tighter underwear, a man should wear loose fitting boxer shorts to allow air flow to the groin area. Women should avoid wearing panty hose for extended periods of time.

If you believe that you may have any type of ringworm, it is best to see your doctor to find out. The sooner ringworm is detected, the sooner treatment can begin and the fungus can be effectively killed.http://www.medicinenet.com, ringworm can be treated in two different ways. The most common way is using an anti-fungal cream on the affected area. This method can take two weeks or more to clear up the fungal infection. The other method is to take medication orally. This method is only used when the fungus is one that will not respond to topical treatment, generally, ringworm of the scalp or nails requires oral medication.