Understanding the Risks of Ringworm
The first thing to know about ringworm is that it does not involve worms at all; it is merely a common fungal infection that does not always cause harm.
The name of the disease originates from the shape the fungi create when infecting the patient, as it resembles a ring. However, let us be clear: worms are entirely innocent of this crime.
Ringworm is classified as one of the dermatophytoses and is medically known as tinea corporis. However, there are other types of tinea as well.
How Dangerous Are Ringworms to Your Health?
Although ringworm is contagious and easily spread, the treatment is mostly well controlled.
The danger may appear from the possibility of recurrence, and the secondary bacterial infection may develop due to scratching from the patient.
Complications of Untreated Ringworm
The complications of the untreated infection result mainly from the scratching of the patient, causing secondary bacterial infection. This may cause irritation and spread of the infection.
Another problem is the post-inflammatory pigmentation changes, either hypo- or hyperpigmentation.
Also, a condition known as dermatophytid (ID) reaction may happen, showing itchy and scaly rashes. This may happen either from the infection itself or, unlikely, from the antifungal treatment.
Rare cases show ringworm triggering psoriasis-like flare-ups.
Is Ringworm Life-Threatening?
As we declare till now, the cases of ringworm can be well managed, and as soon as the complications are under control, no severe threat is appearing.
However, and sadly, some patients may be immunocompromised, with problems in the immune system, making them more subjected to severe infection, like infecting deeper skin layers and the possibility of reaching the lymph nodes and internal organs!
This scenario may happen as one of the deep dermatophytosis cases, but thankfully those are rare cases.
Managing Ringworms
We have two pathways for managing our case, both should be considered.
First, the non-pharmacologic therapy:
Fungi are well known to grow better in moist and warm environments, so we have to advise the patients to keep those areas always clear and dry, and wear loose and light clothing.
Second, the pharmacotherapy:
Topical antifungals have promising results in superficial and localized cases; apply twice for nearly a month for better results.
The most common used drugs are the azole family (like ketoconazole, miconazole, and oxiconazole), allylamines, and benzylamines like terbinafine and butenafine, respectively.
If it came to your mind to use the famous anti-candida drug (nystatin), then know that it is not effective at all for our tinea case. However, the topical agents are well tolerated; side effects may arise in rare cases, such as contact dermatitis. Some studies propose good results are going to get out with the combination of the topical antifungal agents and the corticosteroid agents, especially in cases of inflammation.
Systemic antifungals are indicated, especially if the lesions are hard, recurrent, deep, and not responding to the topical agents.
Another cause of indication is the immunodeficient patients or if many sites are subjected to the infection.
Oral agents are like itraconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine, either granules or tablets. The duration varies for optimal results of the treatment.
Read Also: Signs of Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Conclusion
In brief, ringworm or tinea corporis is mostly a mild superficial case of fungal infection that responds well to the therapy. The therapy includes topical agents and may be added to systemic antifungal agents for more control.
No need to re-mention that the early diagnosis and rapid right management are crucial for reducing the transmission and preventing the complications.
References
Leung, A. K., Lam, J. M., Leong, K. F., & Hon, K. L. (2020). Tinea corporis: an updated review. Drugs in context, 9, 2020-5-6. https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.2020-5-6
Rouzaud, C., Hay, R., Chosidow, O., Dupin, N., Puel, A., Lortholary, O., & Lanternier, F. (2015). Severe Dermatophytosis and Acquired or Innate Immunodeficiency: A Review. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), 2(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof2010004
