Ringworm: Understanding this fungal infection and its causes
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, and sometimes nails. This skin condition, caused by dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton, often manifests as characteristic skin lesions. Although generally benign, ringworm remains highly contagious, especially in schools and homes. What is ringworm? An infection caused by a fungus that feeds on keratin, present on the skin and hair. The main causes: dermatophyte fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Transmission: direct contact with an infected person or animal, or via contaminated objects.People at risk: especially children in schools, but also adults exposed to animals or contaminated environments. The causes of ringworm: how does this fungal infection develop? Ringworm is primarily caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in contact with the skin, particularly in areas where keratin is present (scalp, skin, and nails). Among these organisms, Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging species that is both resistant and aggressive, recently identified in adults in the United States after causing a severe epidemic in South Asia. This fungus can be transmitted in several ways:
- Direct contact with an infected person, often through skin or hair. Indirect transmission via personal items such as brushes, hats, or caps.
- Contamination via pets such as cats, dogs, or small rodents. In urban areas, hygiene, perspiration, and the sharing of objects play a major role in the spread of the infection. Symptoms of ringworm: recognizing skin lesions and warning signs The symptoms of ringworm manifest as various skin lesions.Symptoms can vary depending on the type of ringworm:
- Inflammatory ringworm: Appearance of a raised, red, sometimes pus-filled, “macarone” lesion, often located on the scalp or beard, accompanied by itching, headaches, and sometimes fever.
- Tingematous ringworm: Red or pinkish patches with powdery scales, hair loss a few millimeters from the root, common in children.
Favus ringworm:
Persistent, crusty gray or yellowish patches with an unpleasant odor that can cause lasting hair loss. Ringworm causes erythema (redness), intense itching, and can lead to secondary infections if scratched repeatedly. Medical diagnosis to clearly identify ringworm: To differentiate ringworm from other similar skin conditions, an accurate diagnosis is necessary. The doctor can: Examine the lesions under a specific light called a Wood’s lamp, which sometimes causes infected hair to fluoresce. Take a mycological sample, the culture of which in a laboratory allows for the isolation of the responsible fungus.
Wait 3 to 4 weeks to confirm the diagnosis and adjust the treatment.
- Contagion and prevention: how to limit the transmission of ringworm?
- Ringworm is very contagious, especially among children. Its incubation period varies between 2 and 14 days, which facilitates rapid spread in groups. Here are the essential behaviors to limit contagion:
Do not share personal items such as hats, brushes, or towels.
Maintain rigorous hygiene by washing clothing and household linens at a high temperature (minimum 60°C).
Regularly examine pets and consult a veterinarian in case of suspicious lesions. Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with infected people or animals. Inform the schools or nurseries concerned promptly if a case is detected. * Discover the symptoms of ringworm on the skin and how to act quickly in this video. Effective treatments for ringworm on the skin and scalp Treatment for ringworm relies on antifungal medications tailored to the severity and location of the lesions:
- Topical treatments: antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos applied directly to the skin and hair. Oral treatments: antifungal medications administered orally in resistant or widespread cases.
- Additional care: rigorous hygiene, disinfection of objects, and sometimes shaving of the infected area. Medical follow-up is essential to prevent recurrence and scarring, especially in cases of favus. The duration of treatment generally varies from 4 to 8 weeks.
- * This video guides you to understand the treatment options and provides advice on preventing reinfection.
