Ringworm - (Tinea)

Other Types

Tinea Pedis (Athletes Foot)	Tinea Corporis (Affecting Body)
Tinea Capitis (Affecting scalp)	Tinea Cruris (Affecting the Groin)
Tinea Barbae (Affecting beard)

Caused by:

Fungal Infection

Description

This is a highly contagious fungal skin infection, medically known as `tinea`.
The term `Ringworm` can easily be portrayed as a worm infection, which is totally misleading.
There is no worm involved in this fungal infection, the name originates from the description of the symptoms.

How is it caught?

Various types of fungal infection can trigger certain types of ringworm.
Depending on the type of ringworm, it can generally be caught from animals or contaminated soil, this makes children rather vulnerable.
The animal carriers can range from a stray dog, cat. or even farm yard cattle.
This contagious infection can be caught easily from direct or indirect contact from the sufferer.

Areas Infected

The areas of the body which are most commonly affected by this fungus are the scalp, groins, armpits, hands, beneath the breast and between the feet.
Generally speaking, this fungal infection thrives in moist conditions.

Appearance

Depending on the type of ringworm fungi, an inflammation occurs in patchy areas, extending at the edges while the centre is normal in appearance.
A mild irritation is often present followed by surface itchiness.

Treatment And Outlook

Once this infection has been diagnosed by a doctor, a prescription will be given to the patient.
As long as the treatment period has elapsed, the fungus will die and the skin should return to its normal condition.
The patient can then be classed as cured.

Can massage take place?

This condition is contra-indicated during infection and during medical treatment. Massage can only take place after the sufferer has completely recovered.