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What
is
ringworm?
Ringworm is a
type of fungal infection (tinea) that is caused by dermatophytes. Tinea
infections are commonly called ringworm because some infections form a
ring-like pattern on affected areas of the body. There are three
families ('genera') of dermatophytes: trichophyton, microsporum and
epidermophyton.
Some dermatophytes are well adapted to living on human skin, others
are mainly found on animal skin. When these zoophilic fungi
invade human skin they tend to provoke a more serious inflammation than
fungi that have a preference for human skin.
Symptoms
of
ringworm
Infection with
dermatophytes often give rise to slowly spreading annular skin lesions.
Severe itch is almost always present. Typically, a slightly raised
border can be seen with scaling. Sometimes a pustular reaction can
occur.
Diagnosis
of
ringworm
A dermatophyte
infection is confirmed by microscopy and culture of skin scrapings.
Treatment
Most infections
can be treated with topical creams containing anti fungal agents. More
extensive or long-standing infections may require treatment with oral
antifungal pills.
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