Ringy is a yeast infection infected by hair (scalp) or beard hair. It is due to fungi called “dermatophytes”. It is not dangerous but is very contagious.
Ringworm is a skin infection that touches The scalp and beard. It is due to Microscopic fungi called dermatophytes. How do you know if you have ringworm? What are symptoms ? Is it dangerous? Is it (very) contagious ? How to treat it? Can it disappear on its own?
What is the definition of ringworm?
The ringworm is a dermatophytia (infection) of the scalp (or beard). This is a mycosis due to contamination by mushrooms (parasitic microorganisms) called dermatophytes. “The ringworm develops at the expense of hair and hairs. When mushrooms infect the hair, it makes it fragile and brittle, even cause their fall”explains Dr. Marie Ferneiny, Dermo-Pediatre at the Marcel Sembat clinic (92). It exists:
→ Anthropophilic ringworms transmitted by humans
→ Zoophile ringworms transmitted by animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, horses
→ Telluric ringworms (Geophiles, present in the earth).
Photo of a ringworm on a scalp
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of ringworm. According to Dermo-Pediatre, there are:
- The form in Squameful gray plaque with scaly scalp that can be mimicked a film state
- The inflammatory pustular form with Acne pimples buttons located or disseminated
- A “black point” varietycharacterized by small black dots (broken hair) in the hairless areas.
- The Kérionwhich corresponds to an inflammatory ringworm, which presents itself clinically as an inflammatory mass or abscess associated with a hairless plate
When it evolves, the ringworm can cause bald areas. There are sometimes sensations of itching or burns. There may also be swelling and secretion of humidity.
Who are people at risk?
The ringworm mainly concerns children. She is much less frequent after adolescencebut it is possible especially in the event of a drop in immunity. There is no immunity during an infection: an infected patient can again catch a ringworm in the event of a new exhibition.
How long?
Ringworm is a very contagious disease. The fungus incubation period is, on average, 2 to 14 days.
What are the causes of ringworm?
The ringworms are the manifestations of the harm of the hair follicle and the hair by certain mushrooms which penetrate the hair. They result from the transmission of this fungus from a contaminated person to another or from an animal to humans. We can have mushroom spores that cause ringworm without developing the disease, but with a risk of transmitting it.
Mushroom spores penetrate particularly well in damp, slightly softened or damaged skin. Transmission is possible:
- by direct skin to skin to skin
- By contact with the skin with infected squamsespecially in a hot and humid environment (shower cabin, cloakroom, sauna)
- By contact with contaminated objects, For example, a hat, a cap or a scarf, a comb, a brush, a razor, a garment, a plush animal, a towel, bedding. But also by contact with coverings in a cinema, a bus, a train … as well as with horses, stools, brushes, the dog basket …
Comeigne is a relatively simple disease to diagnose. Clinical observation allows the doctor to examine characteristic skin lesions and to orient his diagnosis. In order to better view them and identify the responsible fungus, it can use an ultraviolet lamp called Wood light. In order to precisely identify the kind of fungus, it can take a sample. This sample will be analyzed under a microscope and cultivated.
What treatment to get rid of a ringworm?
Treatment of the ringworm is only done after a sample, and can be started without delay the results. This is systematically local treatment and orally.
► Local way: For 1 or 2 months are proceeded to the application of local antifungal drugs on the lesions, after shaving the hair close to this area associated with antifungal shampoos twice a week
► Oral : This is the taking of antifungal medications for minimum 6 to 12 weeks.
What risks when you have ringworm?
The risks when you have ringworms are contagiousness, infection of ringworm, hair loss with aesthetic risk. “Regarding a very contagious infection, school eviction is an obligation in that the child is always contagious”, confirms the doctor. Treatment allows a return to school. The return to school then requires a certificate of non-contagion.
Can ringworm cure on its own?
“Treatment of ringworms can take several weeks Because the mushrooms responsible are very resistant “, insists the specialist. Local treatment with specific shampoos are not enough to cure ringworm but reduces the diffusion of spores and, therefore, contagiosity. Hair shave has the same effect, but the complete mowing is not always essential. Treatment of ringworms always requires tablet treatment for several months associated with shampoos and creams.
Thank you to Dr. Marie Ferneiny, Dermo-Pediatre at the Marcel clinic sews in Boulogne-Billancourt.
