Is it ringworm or just a simple rash?
- By:groshan fabiola
As ringworm is quite a common infection nowadays, doctors do not have so many difficulties in recognizing the disease as they used to do. In case they are not 100% sure of the diagnosis they might look at the skin rash with an ultraviolet light to see whether florescent traces are left in that area. These fluorescent materials appear only in ringworm. The doctor might also take a sample from that affected area and will observe it under microscope. In order to see which treatment will be the most effective against the fungal infection the doctor will order a culture from the sample he will send to the lab.
Ringworm can affect the body or the scalp. If ringworm affects the scalp, at first a lesion that looks like a pimple will form and after a while this mark will become patchy, flaky, or scaly. Also, the hair in that area could fall, or break into stubbles. The affected area will become swollen, painful and red. Symptoms for ringworm of the body are: a red bump which is very itchy. After a while the infection will begin to look like a ring or several rings that have a bumpy border and a clear center.
The affection is not produced by worms as the name of the disease could suggest. The fungi are responsible for all the suffering humans have to take when they have ringworm. These microorganisms are also known as dermatophytes which live on dead tissues, hair and nails. These microorganisms are prepared to attack children as well as adults.
The red rings that appear on the skin are due to the continuous spread on the fungi. Sometimes the center of the ring can clear up but a new ring will appear nearby very soon.
This infection is a contagious disease and is generally spread from human to human. It is recommended to avoid using the same towels, clothes, and assets with an infected person.
More rarely, but still possible is the infection transmitted by animals like cats and dogs, so try to keep a good hygiene of your pets to protect them and yourself from any possible infections.
In order to cure this affection the doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. Nowadays there are a lot of products which contain antifungal medication: shampoos, creams, ointments, or powder.
In order to prevent ringworm a good personal hygiene is recommended. Wash your hands after playing with pets and take a shower after contact sports. Try not to share combs, brushes, clothes or towels with other persons if they have not been properly cleaned.About the author:
So, if you want to find out more about ringworm or even about ringworm of the scalp, please click this website http://www.ringworm-center.com