Tinea (Ringworm) - Causes, Symptoms & Prevention
Tinea, or ringworm, is any of a variety of skin mycoses. Tinea is a very common fungal infection of the skin. Tinea is often called "ringworm" because the rash is circular, with a ring-like appearance.
TYPES
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:
* Human to human - Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
* Animal to human - You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats. It's also fairly common in cows.
* Object to human - Ringworm can spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
* Soil to human - In rare cases, ringworm can be spread to humans by prolonged contact with infected soil.
RISK FACTORS
You're at higher risk of ringworm of the body if you:
* Live in a warm climate
* Have close contact with an infected person or animal
* Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
* Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
* Wear tight or restrictive clothing
* Have a weakened immune system
PREVENTION
* Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets.
* Keep clean. Wash your hands often to avoid the spread of infection.
* Stay cool and dry. Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
* Avoid infected animals
* Don't share personal items. Don't use clothing, towels, hairbrushes or other personal items of an affected person with ringworm.
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