Research Paper On Ringworms
A ringworm is an itchy, contagious infection caused by a number of fungi, affecting the skin or scalp. One could get the infection from skin to skin contact, such as handshakes or hugs. One could also get it from touching a contaminated animal or object, such as dogs or a doorknob. The most common locations to find ringworms are the scalp, chest, hands, groin, and feet.
There are many types of ringworms but here are some common ones: tinea corporis (skin), tinea capitis (scalp), tinea pedis (feet) or may be known as athlete’s foot, tinea cruris (groin). The most common type is athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Some things to look for if one thinks he is infected: peeling, darkening of the skin, red rashes, or scaly patches. One may be affected
in the scalp, which will cause patches of hair loss and itchy scalp. Ringworm of the scalp, is most common in children.
The infection can be found by examining of the skin or hair. There are also some procedures that can be done to identify if one has the infection or not. One procedure is the skin biopsy, in which a sample of the skin or a discharge is sent to the lab for the presence of the fungus. Another procedure is KOH, when a small scrape off of infected skin and placed in the potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide destroys all the normal skin cells and leave the fungal cells, which makes it easier to identify. Once it is clear that one has the infection he has the option of a prescription or self-treatment. Some common antifungal prescriptions are Terbinafine, Econazole, and Naftifine. Self-treatment antifungals are Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole. The antifungal is to be applied to the affected areas of skin. If the infection is left untreated, ringworms will spread all over the body and the skin can become irritated and painful. One can take a few steps to prevent spreading the infection, but it is impossible to get rid of it forever. Ringworms can come at any time. Once one is notified that he has the infection, do not scratch the ringworms to prevent spreading all over the body, wash hands frequently, and wash clothing in hot water. Once the infection is treated, avoid sharing things, such as clothing or a comb. Once should also be cautious about petting animals. Ringworms are very common. There are more than 3 million cases of the infection in the United States per year. The infection is generally not seen among adults, but elderly people may be affected. Worldwide the prevalence of ringworm is underreported.
There are many types of ringworms but here are some common ones: tinea corporis (skin), tinea capitis (scalp), tinea pedis (feet) or may be known as athlete’s foot, tinea cruris (groin). The most common type is athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Some things to look for if one thinks he is infected: peeling, darkening of the skin, red rashes, or scaly patches. One may be affected
in the scalp, which will cause patches of hair loss and itchy scalp. Ringworm of the scalp, is most common in children.
The infection can be found by examining of the skin or hair. There are also some procedures that can be done to identify if one has the infection or not. One procedure is the skin biopsy, in which a sample of the skin or a discharge is sent to the lab for the presence of the fungus. Another procedure is KOH, when a small scrape off of infected skin and placed in the potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide destroys all the normal skin cells and leave the fungal cells, which makes it easier to identify. Once it is clear that one has the infection he has the option of a prescription or self-treatment. Some common antifungal prescriptions are Terbinafine, Econazole, and Naftifine. Self-treatment antifungals are Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole. The antifungal is to be applied to the affected areas of skin. If the infection is left untreated, ringworms will spread all over the body and the skin can become irritated and painful. One can take a few steps to prevent spreading the infection, but it is impossible to get rid of it forever. Ringworms can come at any time. Once one is notified that he has the infection, do not scratch the ringworms to prevent spreading all over the body, wash hands frequently, and wash clothing in hot water. Once the infection is treated, avoid sharing things, such as clothing or a comb. Once should also be cautious about petting animals. Ringworms are very common. There are more than 3 million cases of the infection in the United States per year. The infection is generally not seen among adults, but elderly people may be affected. Worldwide the prevalence of ringworm is underreported.