Ringworm Infection (Tinea)

Ringworm Infection(Tinea)

Definition 

It is a fungal dermatophyte infection of the skin, the scalp, or the nails.

Causative Agent

• Dermatophyte fungi  Example, Microsporum  • Trichophyton • Epidermophyton • Contagious (it spread to the skin contact with a person or animal).

Types 

1. Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) between the toe

2. Tinea capitis (Ringworm of scalp)

3. Tinea cruris (groin, thighs)

4. Tinea barbae (under a beard)

Source Of Infection 

1. Zoophilic (animals to man) 2. Anthropophilic (man to man) 3. Geophilic (soil to man)

Signs/Symptoms

• Ring like rashes • Intense itching • Pustules • Small vesicles • Continuous spread to the surrounding area  • Hair falls in the affected area • Red patches  • Rough friable nails.

Treatment 

Antifungal agents

Topical • Miconazole 2% • Clotrimazole 1% • Ketoconazole 1%

Systemic /Orally

• Fluconazole 150 mg • Itraconazole • Terbinafine

Antiinflammatory agents

Topical steroids Example, Betamethasone

Antihistamine/antiallergic For example, levocetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg

Application of topical antifungal powder.

Health Education

• Advice washing one-two times per day with warm water and mild soap then apply talcum powder. • Encourage wearing cotton socks and underwear and light clothes to promote evaporation. • Wash contaminated clothes in hot water. • Do not scratch by nails while itching if scratching, wash the nail before touching other body parts.