Ring Worm By: Kelsey Clifton

What is Ringworm? Ringworm, also known as "Tinea", is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, and can exist anywhere on the body. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm, but generally is a reddish to brownish raised or bumpy patch of skin that may be lighter in the center, giving the appearance of a 'ring'.

Symptoms/Signs Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Yellowish crusty areas sometimes develop. Ringworm of the body shows up as a flat, round patch anywhere on the skin except for the scalp and feet. The groin is a common area of infection (groin Ringworm). As the rash gradually expands, its center clears to produce a ring. More than one patch might appear, and the patches can overlap. The area is sometimes itchy. Ringworm of the foot is also called athlete's foot. It appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes. Ringworm of the nails causes the affected nails to become thicker, discolored, and brittle, or to become chalky and disintegrate.

Layer of skin it effects

Cause of Ringworm Ringworm is spread from one person to another. Sometimes this happens through direct contact. An infected person may touch someone who does not have the disease and directly transfer the fungus to the second person. the fungus can be transferred indirectly. For example, people with ringworm may leave the fungus on towels, hairbrushes, or other objects. A second person can then pick up the fungus while handling these objects. Certain conditions increase the risk of spreading the fungi that cause ringworm. These include dampness, humidity, and dirty,& crowded living conditions.

CURE Some cases of ringworm disappear without treatment. Other cases are treated with different forms of medication. Some medications are applied directly to the infected skin in the form of powder or cream. Some are taken by mouth. Doctors recommend that medications be continued for two weeks after symptoms disappear. This precaution guarantees that all fungi are killed. There are also specific treatments for each type of ringworm. These include: Body ringworm: Wear loose clothing and check daily for open sores. Apply wet dressings to those sores two to three times a day. Ringworm of the nails: Cut infected nails short and clear dead cells with an emery board. Ringworm of the groin: Wear cotton underwear and change it more than once a day. Keep the infected area dry. Use antifungal powder and/or lotion. Scalp ringworm: Use antifungal shampoo containing selenium sulfide or a prescription shampoo.

Worst Case Scenario The worst case scenario of ring worm is not bad. All you need to do is make sure and take the medication provided and keep the infected area clean and dry at all times.

3 Facts About Ringworm the disease is NOT caused by a worm, but by one of several species of fungi. The medical term for infection is "dermatophytosis". Ringworm is spread by direct contact with a person or animal infected with the fungus.

Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringworm http://www.dhpe.org/infect/ringworm.html http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ringworm_on_body/article_em.htm

Reflection By doing this power point I have a lot more knowledge about ringworm, and the precautions to take if I am around someone with ringworm. I now know that ringworm is not a real worm, but just a type of fungus. I know that ring worm is real easy to get rid of if you take the right medications.