Ringworm Treatment in Delhi, India

An itchy circular rash with clear skin in the middle indicates a ringworm infection. It is also known as tinea corpori, dermatophytosis, or dermatophyte infection. It is named ringworm due to its clinical appearance of worm-shaped red skin in the form of a ring. There is no involvement of any form of worm in causing the infection.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is associated with jock itch, athlete's foot or tinea pedis, and ringworm of the scalp. It is a contagious infection which spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with infected humans or animals.

Mild forms of ringworm can be treated with antifungal medications. However, the more severe forms require treatment with antifungal pills for many weeks. Since ringworm is a contagious disease, it should be addressed at the earliest to avoid spreading it to other parts of the body.

Stages of Ringworm

Ringworm develops about two weeks after initial contact with an infected human or animal. It can be divided into two stages:

• Initial Stage: During this stage, a discoloured, irritated patch of the skin develops, which appears dry and scaly. It may not resemble a ringworm at this stage.
• Second Stage: During this stage, the lesion begins to grow in size and resembles ringworm, with the centre of the rash being healthy, surrounded by scaly skin.

Symptoms of Ringworm

Signs and symptoms of ringworm appear based on the site of infection. The most common symptoms include:

• A scaly ring-shaped patch of the skin affecting the buttocks, trunk, arms or legs.
• Inside the ring, the skin appears normal; sometimes, there may be the presence of scattered bumps whose colour may range from red or purplish on white skin to grey or brown on black and brown skin.
• Slightly raised rings that expand outward.
• Itchiness
• A round, flat patch of itchy skin.
• Overlapping rings.
• Hair loss

Ringworm may spread and grow from one body part to another, such as:

• Scalp
• Feet
• Groyne
• Beard
• Hands
• Nails

Causes of Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by mould-like parasites called dermatophytes. These parasites reside on the dead layer of the skin, called the keratin layer, and feed on keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up the nails, the outer layer of skin, hair, and others. This infection is contagious. It can spread through direct contact in the following ways:

• Human to Human: Direct skin-to-skin touch with an infected person or animal is the most common pathway of infection with this fungus.
• Animal to Human: If a person comes in contact with an infected animal, it is possible to contract ringworm infection. This disease can spread through cows, dogs or cats.
• Object to Human: Touching infected objects such as surfaces, clothes, towels, bedsheets or linens, brushes, and others can also cause ringworm.
• Soil to Humans: Rarely infected soil causes ringworm. Only prolonged contact with highly contaminated soil can cause ringworm.

Diagnosis of Ringworm

Doctors can diagnose ringworm based on their clinical appearance. They often insist on recording the patient's medical history and symptoms.

In some cases, a small sample may be scrapped for examination to confirm its diagnosis or assess the type of fungi. This process is not painful. If symptoms are severe, the condition may need a thorough diagnosis before a treatment modality is chosen. If symptoms do not improve, a biopsy may be advised.

Treatment for Ringworm

The treatment of ringworm includes medications and personal hygiene practices. 

Medications

Depending on the severity of the infection, doctors prescribe various medicines. Usually, an athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm of other body parts can be treated with topical ointments, creams, sprays or gels. Severe cases may need oral medications.

Treating ringworm of the scalp or nails often requires oral prescription medications. These include griseofulvin and terbinafine. Some doctors also prescribe over-the-counter medications and antifungal skin creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or other related ingredients.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining proper personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items, in addition to medicines, helps prevent ringworm infection. At home, follow the instructions given below:

• Regularly wash bedding and clothing, disinfect the surroundings.
• Pat dry skin after bathing..
• Wear loose clothing, especially in affected areas.
• Treat all affected areas since it may cause re-infection.

Home Remedies for Ringworm

Some home remedies help treat ringworm infections. These remedies have been followed since times before the invention of antifungal medicines. These treatments are:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apply this using cotton balls over the affected areas at least three times a day.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil in infected areas keeps the skin moisturised and reduces the incidence of ringworm infections. 
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a very popular antifungal and antiseptic agent. Applying a paste of turmeric and water on the lesion can help treat the infection.

Despite the beneficial effects of the given home remedies, it is essential to consult a doctor. In addition, these remedies are not a replacement for allopathic antifungal treatments. 

Ringworm Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from herbs, flowers, and other plant types. However, there is no scientific proof that supports the use of essential oils to prevent or treat fungal infections, such as ringworm.

It is essential to consult a doctor before using any product on the infected skin. These treatment modalities cannot replace conventional treatment options. Some essential oils commonly used include lemongrass oil, oregano oil and tea tree oil.

These oils are highly potent. Hence, it is advisable to dilute them before application. Dilution can be done on a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. 

Complications of Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. These dermatophytes feed on keratin, which is present only on the outer layer of the skin. It rarely spreads below the skin surface and causes severe ailments. 

However, in people with a compromised immune system, it may be difficult to treat this infection.

Risk Factors of Ringworm

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection. Its risk factors include:

• Living in a warm climate most of the time.
• Having close contact with an infected animal or individual.
• Sharing clothes, bedding, towels, or personal items with an infected individual.
• Participating in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling, boxing and others
• Wearing tight or restrictive outfits
• Having a compromised immune system
• Have medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, others.
• Sweating profusely.

Prevention of Ringworm

Even though the fungi that cause ringworm are omnipresent, it is possible to prevent its development. Here are a few things that can be done to prevent the occurrence or spread of this infection:

• Keeping the skin clean and dry.
• Wearing open slippers such as flip-flops or Crocs in locker rooms of swimming pools and public showers.
• Wearing clean and washed socks and underwear every day.
• Avoid sharing clothes or towels with someone who has ringworms.
• Keep sports gear and uniform clean. Avoid sharing them with other sports players.
• Wash hands with soap and water after playing with pets. If the pet is infected with ringworm, contact the vet immediately.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Rahul Nagar, Consultant - Dermatology.