Ringworm

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) is a fungal infection that can affect any part of the body excluding the hands and feet, scalp, face and beard, groin, and nails. It commonly presents as ring-shaped lesions.

Causes

• Household crowding
• Infected household members
• House pets
• Wearing occlusive clothing
• Recreational activities involving close contact with others including shared change rooms.

Ringworm is spread by the shedding of fungal spores from infected skin. Transmission is facilitated by a warm, moist environment and the sharing of bedding, towels, and clothing. 

Clinical Features

• Circular red patch with a raised scaly edge and central clearing
• Border can be papular or pustular 
• With time multiple lesions can develop and coalesce to form a polycylic pattern 
• Affects arms, legs and body, can spread to scalp or other hairy areas. 
• Rings are itchy 
• If skin is broken, further infections may develop 

The hair or fur usually grows back once the infection has been successfully treated. More severe infections may also affect the nails which may discolour and thicken.

Treatment

• Keep skin dry and clean 
• In hot humid climates wear light, loose-fitted clothing
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals 
• Examine household members and pets for source of infection 
• Topical antifungal medication such as: clotrimazole + hydrocortisone, terbinafine

Application needs to include an adequate margin around the lesion and a prolonged course continuing for at least 1–2 weeks after the visible rash has cleared. Recurrence is common.

If hair-bearing sites are invovled visit your GP as oral antifungal treatment may be required.