Generality
Ringworm is a generic term referring to some cutaneous mycoses, fungal infections that normally involve the most superficial layers of the skin. Very common in our latitudes, the tigneous are otherwise called dermatofizie, as they are caused by filamentous fungi of the skin that reproduce by spores (dermatophytes).
Causes and Symptoms
Dermatophytuses (or tignes) can be caused by three different kinds of dermatophytes: Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton .
These filamentous mycetes feed on the keratin present in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and in the cutaneous appendages, causing characteristic ring lesions, with sharp edges and centrifugal evolution; initially the macules appear as a sort of "pimple", which more or less rapidly enlarges in a centrifugal manner, leaving the skin progressively intact in the center. This lesion is described with the Latin term "tinea", followed by the specification of the affected site.
Thus, for example, some of these dermatophytes can infect the scalp (ringworm of the head or tinea capitis), others the face (ringworm of the face or tinea faciei and ringworm of the beard), the trunk (tinea corporis), the hands (tinea manum ), the feet (tinea pedis or athlete's foot), the inguinal folds (tinea cruris) and nails (tinea unguium).
The variability of clinical manifestations is significant and depends on the site affected, the fungal species involved and the patient's state of health.
Contagion
On the epidemiological level we distinguish anthropophilous dermatophytes, which exclusively concern the human species with possible interpersonal contagion, and zoophilic dermatophytes, which mainly concern animals but can be transmitted to humans through contact with them.
Finally, we have the geophilic dermatophytes, whose reservoir consists of the soil; they represent only occasional pathogens for the human species.
In general, therefore, ringworm transmission occurs by direct skin contact with sick or infected animals, or indirectly through laundry, clothing, professional tools, brushes, combs, etc.
Interhuman infection is mediated by the contact of desquamated skin scales; as for athlete's foot, for example, a typical mode of infection is contact with showers, platforms, floors or other objects used by people affected by this dermatomycosis.
Diagnosis and therapy
To learn more: Drugs for the treatment of Hair Ringworm - Medicines for the treatment of Ringworm of the Feet
The diagnosis, often already clinically evident, can be confirmed through the collection of biological material from the suspect areas, to be examined then under the microscope to identify the type of fungus involved. Only in this way, the specialist can program a specific antifungal therapy for the etiological agent, also taking into account the immunological status of the patient, the type of area affected by ringworm and the extent of clinical manifestations.
The therapy uses drugs called antifungals, used both for local application (creams, powders, lotions) and for systemic use; the latter is more indicated in extended forms, in chronic or long-standing infections. The most commonly used medications are griseofulvin, itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine.
Treatment is usually long enough, as complete resolution of the disease takes a couple of weeks.
Prevention
Gyms, pools, saunas, changing rooms and hotel rooms are the main source of fungal infections. We therefore recommend:
- always use your own towel when using gym equipment for mixed use;
- in the locker rooms and more generally in any community place (kindergartens, schools, barracks, beaches, etc.), avoid walking barefoot on carpets, carpets, land and various surfaces;
- avoid wearing tight clothing or synthetic fibers, especially in the warmer months. Moisture and heat favor the engraftment of ringworm;
- use breathable and light-colored footwear (breathable upper); let the shoes dry after use;
- replace stockings regularly and wash them in hot water;
- use particular care in the daily hygiene of the feet, taking care to dry the interdigital spaces well and to remove any macerated layers;
- use powders or antifungal powders at the level of skin folds, especially if you are obese, diabetic or suffer from hyper-sweating;
- always bear in mind that cattle and horses, but also and above all domestic animals - such as dogs, cats, hamsters, hamsters or rabbits - can be a source of transmission of some types of ringworm;
- avoid the mixed use of strictly personal items, such as linen, clothes, towels and slippers;
- Particular attention should be paid in the event of infection. To avoid passing ringworm to other individuals, patients affected by dermatophytosis should not use strictly personal objects such as napkins, bidets, linens, combs, files or nail scissors in common with other family members or other people. In addition to scrupulously following the therapy prescribed by the doctor to eradicate ringworm, it is important to disinfect clothing and objects that come into contact with the lesions, or to wash them at high temperatures to kill spores.
