Dermatology 2: Ringworm

Question 1

what is ringworm

Answer 1

-fungal infection of the skin/hair/nails caused by dermatophytes

Question 2

what are the sympoms of ringworm

Answer 2

-red itchy, circular patches on the skin
-scaly
-tinea capitis (infection of the head) is scaly scalp and hair loss, esp in children.
-more severe cases pustules
-

Question 3

what are risk factors of ringworm

Answer 3

-hot, humid weather
-tight fitted clothes
-obesity
-hyperhydrosis

Question 4

what causes ringworm

Answer 4

-direct contact with an infected person
-direct contact with an infected animal
-indirect contact with contaminated objects
-soil contact

Question 5

what are the different types of ringworm

Answer 5

-tinea corporis (body)
-tinea cruris (groin)
-tinea capitis

Question 6

what is the treatment for tinea corporis and tinea cruris (body and groin ring worm)

Answer 6

-terbinafine 1% cream for 16+ OTC. apply thinly to affected area 1-2x a day for up to 1-2 weeks.
-clotrimazole 1%. 2-3 times a day for at least 4 weeks. half a cm used for a hand size
-miconazole 2%. 2x a day. continue for 10 days after skin lesions are healed.
-econazole 1% cream (POM). same

Question 7

what is the treatment for tinea capitis (ring worm on head/scalp)

Answer 7

Oral antifungal medicines including:
-griseofulvin, 6-8 week course. tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for children who cannot swallow.
-terbinafine. 4 week course.

Topical antifungal creams used initially when using antifungal treatments orally to reduce transmission risk

-ketoconazole shampoo.2x weekly for 2-4 weeks
-imidazole cream (clotrimazole etc.) for children who are less than 5 years olds. daily for one week

Question 8

practical measures for ringworm on body and groin

Answer 8

-wear loose fitting clothes, made of cotton
-maintain good hygiene by washing affected areas daily
-avoid scratching affected areas to prevent infection
-don’t share towels
-wash clothes and bed linen frequently to eradicate fungal spores
-after washing, dry throughly
-may be recommended for whole family to be using antifungal shampoo 2x a week for 4 weeks even if fungal infection hasn’t shown yet as it can taken weeks for it to appear

Question 9

practical measures for ringworm on head

Answer 9

-may be recommended for whole family to be using antifungal shampoo 2x a week for 4 weeks even if fungal infection hasn’t shown yet as it can taken weeks for it to appear
-soften surface crust gently using moistened dressings
-discard any objects that can transit fungal spores e.g. hats, scarfs, hairbrushes
-check regularly for scalp infections on children
-if house pet is suspected, take to vet

Question 10

differantial diagnosis for ringworm on scalp, body, groin

Answer 10

-alopecia
-psoriasis
-atopic eczema

-discoid eczema
-psorisis

-intertrigo
-erythrasma