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Ringworm is a kind of bacterial infection caused by a specific family of
microscopic organism called the Dermatophytes. This kind of infection is characterized by ring shaped rashes on the surface of the infected region. As the name implies ringworm looks exactly like a ring on the surface of the skin .however the ring is not exactly a circle and takes irregular shapes. As the ringworm is caused by fungus and it is highly communicable so it can affect many areas at a time. so you can see the rings at many places of the body at a time . for example you can have ring formation at many places at a single time including your scalp (Tinea capitis), groin area (Tinea cruris or also known as jock itch), or feet (Tinea pedis or athlete's
foot). initially the rash is in the form of a dry raised patch that appears red and feels itchy . The inner areas look pale while the outer ring is red in color and quite scaly. Ringworm normally becomes visible within ten to fifteen days of infection. These symptoms of ringworms are easily recognizable however they look slight different from person to person.
This family of fungus leave on the outer side of the human skin called the hypodermis. These Dermphytes can cause ringworms in several parts of the body include scalp, body, nails and feet. These ringworm causing fungi thrive on places which remain warm and moist. Hence places like groin, feet and underarm are more prone to a ringworm attack than other places of the body. Also normally Ringworm tends to enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a scratch, cut, or broken skin due to eczema.
Ringworm is a highly
Contagious Disease. Different methods by which Ringworm spreads
Include
1. Person to Person:
One of the most common causes for ringworms is direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected person. Ringworm can easily be passed on from one person to another. Also infection can be passed from one part of body to another. For example an infection on the feet to other parts of the body, such as the hands or groin of the same individual.
2. Animal to Human: Another common reason for ringworm especially among children, farmers and pet owners is by contact with animals. It can be by any means by touching or even grooming the infected animals.
3. Object to Human: It’s an indirect form of transmission of ringworm disease. It is caused by using objects that have been used or had been in contact with an infected human being. These objects can include all sorts of house hold items which include clothing and hats, combs and brushes, bed sheets and towels, stuffed animals and toys, telephones, door knobs, keyboards, gym mats and weight equipment, and locker rooms and public shower stalls.
4. Soil to Human: It is one of the most rarest cases of ringworm contamination, in the case the causes of ringworms infection can be attributed to contact with soil which is infected by ringworm fungi. However there are several preconditions required for ringworm to be able to thrive in such conditions. |
