From the Guidelines
Ringworm infection typically presents with a characteristic circular or ring-shaped rash, intense itching, redness, and inflammation of the affected area, and can appear on various body parts including the scalp, body, groin, feet, or nails. The symptoms and signs of ringworm infection can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. According to 1, tinea capitis, which affects the scalp, can cause patchy hair loss, scaling, and sometimes pustules, while tinea corporis, which affects the body, typically starts as a small, scaly patch that gradually expands outward with a raised border.
Some key points to consider when diagnosing ringworm infection include:
- The infection can spread through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated objects
- People with weakened immune systems, those who frequently use communal showers or locker rooms, and individuals who have close contact with animals are at higher risk
- Diagnosis is typically made through visual examination, and sometimes a skin scraping examined under a microscope or a fungal culture may be necessary to confirm the infection
- Other conditions, such as candidosis, bacterial infection, or noninfectious conditions like psoriasis or lichen planus, can mimic the symptoms of ringworm infection, making diagnosis challenging, as noted in 1 and 1.
It's essential to note that the clinical appearance of tinea capitis can be highly variable, depending on the causative organism, type of hair invasion, and degree of host inflammatory response, as stated in 1. Therefore, a thorough examination and sometimes additional tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. A definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent complications and improve quality of life, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are at higher risk of developing severe infections.
From the Research
Presenting Signs and Symptoms of Tinea Infection
The presenting signs and symptoms of Tinea (Ringworm) infection can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Minimal pruritus with no hair loss
- Severe tenderness
- Purulence
- Permanent scarring in inflammatory kerion lesions 2
- Hair loss on the scalp 3, 2, 4, 5, 6
Clinical Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis of Tinea capitis can be challenging due to the varying symptoms, and diagnosis must be confirmed in the laboratory by using fungal stains or obtaining cultures 2
Types of Tinea Infection
Tinea capitis is a common pediatric scalp infection caused by dermatophytes, and the predominant pathogen varies according to the geographical location 5
- Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis account for the majority of infections in North America and certain parts of Europe 5
- Trichophyton violaceum is also a commonly isolated fungus 6
Treatment Options
Treatment options for Tinea capitis include: