Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Humans can contract ringworm from animals; cats and dogs are often carriers. It should be noted that any contact sports such as wrestling has a risk of contracting the fungal infection through skin-to-skin contact.

Types

A number of species of fungi called dermatophytes cause ringworm. Members of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum are the most common causative agents. These fungi attack various parts of the body and lead to the following conditions:

Tinea corporis affects the arms, legs, and trunk
Tinea capitis affects the scalp
Tinea cruris (jock itch) affects the groin area
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) affects the feet
Tinea unguium affects the fingernails and toenails
Tinea versicolor

Symptoms and diagnosis

The most well known sign of ringworm is the appearance of one or more red raised itchy patches with defined edges. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area, then bald patches may become evident. If the nails are affected, they may thicken, discolor, and finally crumble.

Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping. This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology laboratory and allowed to grow. Some of the fungi fluoresce under a black light examination.

Topical antifungal drugs containing miconazole and clotrimazole, available by perscription or over the counter, are used to clear up the infection.

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Rate of ringworm
From Nutrition Health Review, 1/1/95

Washington, D.C.:

The rate of ringworm infections is rising among children, especially Negro children who seem to be especially vulnerable because of their particular hair styling.

Usually, children of all races are affected by epidemics of scalp ringworm. Currently, about 90% of those infected with a form of ringworm known as Trichophyton tonsurans have been identified as blacks. Often the condition is misdiagnosed as intractable dandruff, says Rebat M. Halder, M.D., chairman of dermatology at Howard University.

"Genetic factors, or particular hair-styling practices, may be responsible for the condition," Dr. Halder said. "Tight braiding may expose the scalp to the fungus, and hair grease can act like a glue that enables the fungus to cling to the scalp, leaving the scalp unprotected."

T.tonsurans cannot be treated with topical creams, Dr. Halder noted. The treatment of choice, according to Dr. Halder, is an oral antifungal agent griseofulvin (brand names: Gris-Peg, Grisactin, Fulvicin P/G).

Gris-Peg is similar to penicillin, the pharmaceutical maker warns, and should be considered a problem for people who are allergic to the drug.

T.tonsurans is highly contagious. To prevent its spread, Dr. Halder urges, family members should not share hair care items with the patient; brushes, combs, and towels must be washed frequently in hot water.

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