Which of these microorganisms occur as yeasts or molds and can infect the skin nail beds and scalp?
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Ringworm, or tinea, refers to several types of contagious fungal infections of the top layer of the skin, scalp, and nails. It is called ringworm because the itchy, red rash has a ring-like appearance. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. This fungal infection can affect different parts of the body. This article will cover ringworm’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Different types of ringworm affect different parts of the body.
Different types of ringworm have different symptoms. Scalp ringworm
A person with scalp ringworm may have a slight fever and swollen glands or lymph nodes, but this is uncommon. Body or skin ringwormSymptoms include:
Groin infectionThere may be:
Beard areaRingworm in the beard area can involve:
Ringworm is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. This fungus eats keratin, which is a type of protein that makes up the:
Dermatophytes attack the skin, scalp, hair, and nails because those are the only parts of the body with enough keratin to attract them. Dermatophytes are microscopic spores that can survive on the surface of the skin for months. They are very resilient and can also survive in:
Dermatophyte spores can spread from:
If a person or animal has a ringworm infection, they may deposit fungal spores on objects and surfaces they touch. Anyone who touches those objects may contract a ringworm infection. Children usually show symptoms when they have a ringworm infection, but many adults do not. The older an individual is, the more likely it is that their immune system will protect them. However, they may still be a carrier. The stages in which ringworm develops depend on the type of ringworm. On the body, patches grow slowly in size, and more patches can appear on other parts of the body. The center of the patch may clear, leaving a ring. If there are several rings, they may merge. Athlete’s foot tends to start between the toes before spreading to the bottoms or sides of the feet, or both. The skin between the toes can then turn white and become soft. On the nails, ringworm starts with a thickening of the skin under the nail, followed by a thickening and discoloration of the nails. Over time, the nails will lift, crumble, and disappear. In the groin, the first sign is usually an itchy rash in the crease where the leg meets the body. This can spread to the:
A doctor can typically diagnose ringworm or a groin infection after examining the affected area and asking the patient about their medical history and symptoms. They may take a small scraping of the skin, which will not hurt, and examine it under a microscope to look for characteristics of fungi. The doctor will assess whether the skin problem is being caused by some other disorder, such as psoriasis. Further testing is not usually needed unless symptoms are particularly severe. If symptoms have not improved after treatment, the doctor may remove a small piece of affected skin and send it to a lab for analysis. Treatment depends on the type of ringworm. Scalp ringwormThe most common treatments for scalp ringworm are oral antifungal medications (tablets). However, the choice of medication will depend on the type of fungi involved. Terbinafine (Lamisil): The side effects are normally mild and do not last long. They may include a decrease in appetite, pain in the muscles and joints, and an upset stomach. People with a history of liver disease should not take terbinafine. Griseofulvin (Grisovin): The side effects, which usually go away fairly quickly, may include:
Antifungal shampoos: These help prevent the spread of ringworm and may speed up recovery, but they do not cure it. Various antifungal shampoos are available for purchase online. Skin ringworm and groin infectionMost cases are treated with antifungal creams. Individuals should read the product instructions carefully — antifungal creams do not all have the same instructions. These can be purchased over the counter or online. If symptoms are severe, or if they cover a large area of the body and do not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, a doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical medication. A doctor may also prescribe an oral medication (taken by mouth). Oral medications can have some side effects, including:
Other types of ringwormItraconazole (Sporanox): This oral medication is sometimes used to treat fungal infections in the fingernails and toenails. Side effects can include:
Fluconazole (Diflucan): This oral medication is often used to treat more serious fungal infections, including thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Some side effects can include:
There are plenty of OTC medications for fungal infections too. Many of these are topical medications and sprays. Caring for the skin during infectionCaring for the skin properly can help speed up recovery:
The following tips may help prevent the spread of ringworm if it occurs in a household:
Keeping cool and wearing loose clothing may help reduce the risk. ComplicationsFungal infections rarely spread below the surface of the skin. The risk of any serious illness is very small. However, without treatment, ringworm can spread from one part of the body to another. If the skin is broken, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. People living with HIV, those undergoing cancer treatment, and other issues that weaken the immune system are more likely to experience a spreading of ringworm. It is more difficult to get rid of the infection if the immune system is weak. The following risk factors either increase the chances of developing ringworm or make the symptoms worse:
Which of the following organisms can cause skin infections?Skin Infections
They are most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and coryneform bacteria. Impetigo, folliculitis, boils, and erythrasma are common examples. Systemic infections may also have skin manifestations.
Which group of fungi are responsible for a wide variety of skin and nail conditions?Dermatophytes are a group of closely related filamentous fungi that are able to invade the stratum corneum of the epidermis and keratinized tissues including the skin, nail, and hair (Kanbe, 2008).
Which microorganisms are classified according to their shape and a staining process?Bacteria are classified according to their shape. The two main groups of bacteria are cocci (spherical-shaped) and bacilli (rod-shaped) (Brooker 2008). These two groups are then subdivided into gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. (Gram was the microbiologist who devised the staining method.)
What is the disease causing microorganism called?Microbes that cause disease are called pathogens.
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