Dermatophytosis

"Ringworm" redirects here. For the band, see Ringworm (band).
"Tinea" redirects here. For the moth genus, see Tinea (moth).
Not to be confused with Ringed worm, Taenia (flatworm), or Roundworm.

Dermatophytosis
Other namesRingworm, tinea
Ringworm on a human leg
SpecialtyDermatology, Internal Medicine
SymptomsRed, itchy, scaly, circular skin rash[1]
CausesFungal infection[2]
Risk factorsUsing public showers, contact sports, excessive sweating, contact with animals, obesity, poor immune function[3][4]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, microbial culture, microscopic examination[5]
Differential diagnosisDermatitis, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, tinea versicolor[6]
PreventionKeep the skin dry, not walking barefoot in public, not sharing personal items[3]
TreatmentAntifungal creams (clotrimazole, miconazole)[7]
Frequency20% of the population[8]

Dermatophytosis, also known as tinea and ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin[2] (a dermatomycosis), that may affect skin, hair, and nails.[1] Typically it results in a red, itchy, scaly, circular rash.[1] Hair loss may occur in the area affected.[1] Symptoms begin four to fourteen days after exposure.[1] The types of dermatophytosis are typically named for area of the body that they affect.[2] Multiple areas can be affected at a given time.[4]

About 40 types of fungus can cause dermatophytosis.[2] They are typically of the Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton type.[2] Risk factors include using public showers, contact sports such as wrestling, excessive sweating, contact with animals, obesity, and poor immune function.[3][4] Ringworm can spread from other animals or between people.[3] Diagnosis is often based on the appearance and symptoms.[5] It may be confirmed by either culturing or looking at a skin scraping under a microscope.[5]

Prevention is by keeping the skin dry, not walking barefoot in public, and not sharing personal items.[3] Treatment is typically with antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole.[7] If the scalp is involved, antifungals by mouth such as fluconazole may be needed.[7]

Dermatophytosis has spread globally, and up to 20% of the world's population may be infected by it at any given time.[8] Infections of the groin are more common in males, while infections of the scalp and body occur equally in both sexes.[4] Infections of the scalp are most common in children while infections of the groin are most common in the elderly.[4] Descriptions of ringworm date back to ancient history.[9]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Symptoms of Ringworm Infections". CDC. December 6, 2015. Archived from the original on 20 January 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Definition of Ringworm". CDC. December 6, 2015. Archived from the original on 5 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Ringworm Risk & Prevention". CDC. December 6, 2015. Archived from the original on 7 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e Domino FJ, Baldor RA, Golding J (2013). The 5-Minute Clinical Consult 2014. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 1226. ISBN 9781451188509. Archived from the original on 2016-09-15.
  5. ^ a b c "Diagnosis of Ringworm". CDC. December 6, 2015. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  6. ^ Teitelbaum JE (2007). In a Page: Pediatrics. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 274. ISBN 9780781770453. Archived from the original on 2017-04-26.
  7. ^ a b c "Treatment for Ringworm". CDC. December 6, 2015. Archived from the original on 3 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  8. ^ a b Mahmoud A. Ghannoum, John R. Perfect (24 November 2009). Antifungal Therapy. CRC Press. p. 258. ISBN 978-0-8493-8786-9. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017.
  9. ^ Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV (2012). Dermatology (3 ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1255. ISBN 978-0702051821. Archived from the original on 2016-09-15.