Ringworm

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own
physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health
problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you
have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have
not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Health Notes is a publication of Clarion Communications, Inc. which is not affiliated with any of the products mentioned.

Ringworm (or tinea) is not a "worm" infection as the name suggests, but is a fungal infection
caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. They live on the dead tissues on the skin
and any structures that grow from the skin, such as hair or nails. Trichophyton tonsurans is
the name of the dermatophyte which is the cause of tinea capitis (ringworm of the skin) in
over 90% of cases in North and Central America. Other fungi include other types of
Trichophyton and Microsporum. Trichophyton and Microsporum also are the causative
agents of ringworm of the body, and further fungal "cousins" cause jock itch and athlete's
foot.

One type of tinea infection known as tinea versicolor results in a common skin disorder
characterized by a patchy discoloration of the skin. Areas of infected face, for example, may
appear lighter in color (hypopigmented). This infection, caused by a fungus with the
remarkable name of Malassezia furfur, is seen primarily in adolescents and young adults.

Signs and Symptoms: The term "tinea" is a general name referring to a group of related
fungal skin infections. Tinea can affect most skin sites, depending on the specific fungal type.
Tinea pedis is the medical name for "athlete's foot"; Tinea cruris is "jock itch"; Tinea capitis is
"ringworm" of the scalp; and tinea corporis is "ringworm" of the body and nails. These
descriptive terms refer to the location of the infection and not which specific type of fungus is
involved.

Fungal infections of the scalp may appear as patchy areas with dandruff-like scaling and hair
loss (with broken stubbles of hair). Sometimes, there may be a swollen, inflammed mass
known as a "kerion" which may be confused with impetigo or cellulitis. The classical features
of tinea are itching, redness on the skin and a circular patchy lesion that spreads along its
borders, at the same time clearing at the center. In time, it may appear as a ring or a series
of rings around a clear center, hence its name "ringworm." This pattern may not always be
seen in every infected person.

Additional signs or symptoms depend on which site is infected, and how advanced the
disease is. On the palms or soles, redness may be the only sign; sometimes, on the soles,
there may be deep seated blisters which, over time, dry and end up as brown crusts.
Between the toes there may be thick, white scaling. Nails can turn thick and white, and
eventually crumble if untreated. On the scalp, there may be hair loss as the hairs break off at
their shafts - "black dot ringworm."

A number of over the counter medications are available for treatment of ringworm and
fungal infections such as Aftate, Desenex, Lamisil, Lotrimin, Micatin, Tinactin. Order these
and other products from the privacy of your home. Just click on one of the links below for
the latest low prices and product information: