Microsporia: principles of treatment, prevention and answers to frequently asked questions

How to treat ringworm in humans at home

Ringworm is a highly contagious (contagious) infectious disease of the skin, hair or nails caused by pathogenic fungi. The infection can be caused by two types of fungi - Trichophyton and Microsporum. The correct designation of the disease is based on the name of the fungus that caused it, so doctors distinguish trichophytosis and microsporia.

Both of these forms of fungal infection (trichophytosis and microsporia) are combined under the general term ringworm. Thus, ringworm is also called trichophytosis, microsporia, dermatophytosis, dermatomycosis or dermatophytosis. Trichophyton fungi are microbes that parasitize only on human skin, while Microsporum infect both humans and animals. Ringworm is most contagious in children 4 to 13 years of age.

In the article we will look at ringworm, the causative agent of the disease, its symptoms, routes of infection, as well as preventive measures in the table.

Causes

The fungus Trichophyton tonsurans was first identified many decades ago. Its name is directly related to its ability to attack hair. Fungi that parasitize humans cause superficial and chronic ringworm. And bestial forms cause infiltrative-suppurative skin lesions.

1. Chronic diseases and vitamin deficiency contribute to the appearance of deprivation.
2. Infection occurs after contact with a sick person or his hygiene items, when working with hay and soil, after contact with an animal.
3. More often, the disease occurs against a background of decreased immunity and violation of personal hygiene rules, long-term care of animals and damage to the outer covering of the body (scratches, abrasions, burns).

We will tell you further about the symptoms and signs of ringworm in children and adults.

Microsporia: why is it important to see a doctor in time?

There are factors that cause difficulties in treatment:

• Dermatophyte fungi of the genus Microsporum penetrate deeply into the skin and hair follicles.

• Fungi remain viable for a long time under environmental conditions.

• There are no quick ways to get rid of microsporia. It has been proven that the growth of the fungus stops on the 14-20th day of treatment. Both you and the child will have to be patient.

• In the presence of chronic diseases, it is more difficult to defeat the fungus: a suppurative form often develops, recovery is delayed due to a weakened immune system.

• Insufficient dosage of drugs or self-cessation of treatment leads to a rapid return of the disease - relapse. What are the consequences? The emergence of addiction of the fungus to drugs, the long course of the disease and/or the development of complications.

When prescribing treatment, the doctor takes into account all these factors, selecting an individual management plan for each patient.

This is interesting - popular questions about trichophytosis

Incubation period of the disease

The incubation period of the fungal infection that causes the appearance of ringworm ranges from several days to 6–8 weeks and depends on the type of pathogen that has entered the body.

Superficial lichen may appear as the first symptoms within 5-7 days after infection. Infiltrative-suppurative lichen does not give any clinical manifestations for several months. The first signs of the disease appear no earlier than 6-8 weeks after the pathogen enters the body.

Mycosis of the feet

Fungal infection is a very common problem. Infection occurs through socks, shoes, wooden liners in bathtubs and swimming pools. Often found in athletes. In addition, athlete's foot is very common in people who work in very damp and warm environments, especially in rubber shoes.

The lesions are located in the interdigital spaces - between the fourth and fifth fingers and the third and fourth. However, they can spread to other toes. Skin peeling and cracks, sometimes painful, are diagnosed in the interdigital spaces. The changes are often accompanied by itching.

There is a certain genetic predisposition to interdigital mycosis, then these changes can be repeated for many years.

Symptoms

What does ringworm look like in the initial stage, how to recognize it in time and prevent hair loss? Unfortunately, a person may not notice the first signs of the disease immediately. Any area of ​​the scalp begins to lose its vegetation. The hairs gradually thin out, fall out and break, changing their length to 1 - 2 mm. Peeling of the skin adds to the problem. As the disease progresses, the lesion acquires clear outlines.

Symptoms of ringworm (see photo) are more noticeable on the chest, back, lower and upper extremities. A person may notice such deviations as:

• burning and itching spots;
• redness and swelling of the skin;
• framing the hearth with a solid roller;
• blistering of the lesion with subsequent leakage of contents and the formation of crusts.

If nails are affected by trichophytosis, the plates become brittle and dull. Their structure thickens and coarsens. Subsequently, the nails crumble and change color. Dents on the plates, grooves and a dirty gray color are a characteristic sign of lichen.

In addition to ringworm patches on the head, problem areas can also appear on the body. The disease manifests itself as a rash, the elements of which are similar to round red spots. Since the fungus feeds on keratin taken from the upper epidermal layers, the skin elements gradually acquire the contours of a ring. Having “eaten” the keratin in one area, parasitic microorganisms move on. This is why plaques grow in diameter and change the boundaries of their edges.

The accumulation of dermatophytes leads to the formation of a bright border. Its bubbly and scaly appearance indicates increased fungal activity in this area. Sometimes the parasites return to the center of the ring and again use it as a source of nutrition. But this is only possible when keratin reserves are restored. The so-called “ring within a ring” is a clear sign of increased dermatophyte activity.

Types and causes of lichen in the genital area

Skin disease in the pubic area can be caused by several pathogenic fungi at once. Ringworm in the perineum and groin is accompanied by discomfort and a number of other unpleasant symptoms.

The disease usually develops when the body's immune defenses decrease. General predisposing factors for all types of lichen in the groin area:

• diabetes;
• increased sweating;
• excess weight;
• hormonal imbalance;
• predisposition to allergic reactions.

The forms and causes of lichen can be different; they are similar only in symptoms. The main danger is that the skin affected by the fungus is not protected and is at risk of infection by other microbes.

Types of lichen:

1. Ringworm (eczema). It is not diagnosed as often in the groin area as other types of the disease. Characteristic symptoms are itching, burning in the groin area, discomfort when walking and touching clothing. The victim's performance decreases. The rashes are round, scaly, and red in color. Hair follicles in the affected area are not affected.
2. Ordinary eczema must be distinguished from fringed eczema, which is a type of fungal disease - athlete's foot. In medicine, such lichen is also called eczema of the Herb (Herba). Men are more susceptible to the disease than women, due to their increased physical activity. Fungal eczema affects the scrotum, intergluteal fold, penis, and is localized between the legs. The cause of infection is direct contact with an infected person and the use of shared bath amenities.
3. Ringworm (trichophytosis). The cause of development is infection with a fungus through direct contact with a person or animal. Plaques appear all over the body, including the bikini area. They appear in the form of spots with a clear shape and a pink border. The patient develops itching, burning, enlarged lymph nodes, and hair breaks at the site of infection. The skin is covered with pustules and plaque. If treatment is untimely or incorrect, the groin area with affected skin areas increases. The disease is seasonal, especially common in summer and hot climates.
4. Pityriasis rosea (Roseola exfoliates, Gibert's disease). It develops against the background of infection with herpes virus type 6 or 7, but can also appear after suffering stress. Zhiber's lichen is not contagious, so contact with sick people is acceptable. It develops gradually - with the appearance of a maternal plaque on the chest. The spot size is up to 5 cm in diameter. Within a week, many daughter spots of pinkish color appear. The rash affects the limbs, back, abdomen, and groin. Roseola cannot be treated; all treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms (itching, peeling) and preventing relapses. Goes away on its own after 1.5 months.
5. Pityriasis (multi-colored) lichen. Easily recognized by light spots on the skin in the groin that have a yellow or light brown tint. The spots peel off due to the active proliferation of fungus in the stratum corneum of the skin. This fungus usually inhabits human skin. The introduction of fungus into the skin is provoked by changes in hormonal levels. Children under 10 years of age usually do not suffer from this dermatosis. Pityriasis versicolor on the pubis is not contagious to others. The disease in the groin is characterized by itching and burning.
6. Lichen planus. Most often found in women, it is a chronic disease. It appears in the groin area as a reaction to a stressful situation. This is facilitated by a disruption in the endocrine and immune systems. The inner thighs, mucous membranes, and groin area are affected. The rash has a bright crimson color, the rashes are uneven, lines and nodules of a lighter shade appear on the surface of the plaques.
7. Lichen vesica (herpes). It begins with pain in the abdomen, similar to pain in acute appendicitis or inflammation of the gallbladder. The cause of this condition is inflammation of the nerve endings under the skin. Afterwards, spotty foci of spread appear at the site of pain. The causative agent is herpes virus type 1 or 2. Symptoms are pain at the site of future spots, fever, headaches. Bubbles with clear liquid appear 3-4 days after pain. After 3 weeks, crusts form in place of the blisters in the groin. All the time until crusts form, the patient is very contagious.
8. Scaly lichen (psoriasis). Refers to non-communicable diseases. Psoriasis is an abnormal reaction of the body to external irritants, which leads to uneven death of epidermal cells. It is considered a hereditary disease and combines disruption of the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Symptoms are inflammation, itching, burning, peeling, red spots. In the groin, psoriasis is located in the skin folds. There may not be peeling in this area due to high humidity.

Chronic ringworm

It can be localized on the scalp, fingernails or smooth skin. On the head, lesions are localized, for the most part, at the temples and the back of the head. The lesion is a small (no more than 0.5 cm) smooth scar, similar to an atrophic one, which peels off a little, but has no signs of an inflammatory reaction. At the site of this lesion, the hair breaks off at the very root, forming a spot called a blackhead.

Chronic ringworm on smooth skin is most often localized on the buttocks, thighs, knee and elbow joints, or palms. In this case, the lesion looks like a bluish or pinkish spot of a fairly large size with a vague outline. The surface of the spot is moderately peeling.

Typically, lesions are characterized only by mild itching; there are no other subjective symptoms. Nails affected by lichen become dull, cloudy, gray in color, the outer edge becomes jagged and is easily painted. The nail can suddenly become very thick or, on the contrary, thin.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is based on a visual examination of the patient, as well as collecting a medical history and questioning about possible sources of infection. If in doubt, the doctor will scrape the affected area.

The collected materials are examined under a microscope or placed in a nutrient medium for three days, during which rapid growth of fungal colonies is observed. When filaments of mycelium and spores of a fungal pathogen are detected, its identification is made.

Thrush is also a fungal infection

Characterized by inflammatory changes in the mucous membranes, skin and nails. Often accompanies:

• diabetes;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• pregnancy;
• obesity;
• nutritional deficiencies;
• antibiotic therapy;
• AIDS;
• general cachexia;
• immunosuppressive treatment and corticosteroid treatment.

The development of these infections is facilitated by microtraumas and skin burns associated with getting wet or excessive sweating. Lesions on the mucous membranes resemble curdled milk and have the character of white spots. Then the mucous membranes show acute inflammation, accompanied by pain and burning.

The most common sites for thrush are the mouth, vulva, and vagina. Yeast infection is also the cause of jams - consisting of cracks with the formation of erosions in the corners of the mouth. They are usually bilateral and, if left untreated, can persist for a long time. Such changes cause pain when eating.

Thrush

Infection can occur at any age and is not associated with sexual intercourse (not sexually transmitted). Yeast lesions can occur in the folds - the armpits, groin, subjunctival and intermaxillary areas, as well as in the interdigital areas. In newborns and infants, yeast infections can occur as a result of diaper rash.

Treatment of ringworm in humans

When treating ringworm in humans, the basis of therapy is the fight against the fungus that causes dermatomycosis. Therapy at home combines local treatment with ointments for lichen - antifungal creams, sprays, shampoos with oral antifungal drugs.

The treatment regimen is prescribed by a dermatologist, the main aspects are as follows:

1. Ringworm of smooth skin responds better to treatment with Terbinafine and tolnaftate.
2. To treat lichen in the morning, a 5% iodine solution is usually used. In the evening, as a rule, sulfur-salicylic or sulfur-tar ointment is prescribed; treatment with pure salicylic acid 3% is also possible.
3. A dermatologist can write out a prescription for the production of Vidal's milk in the prescription department of a pharmacy - alcohol, camphor, salicylic acid, sulfur lotion, boric acid, glycerin. Or Lassar pastes - petroleum jelly, starch, salicylic acid, zinc oxide.
4. For local treatment, the doctor may recommend various ointments, creams, shampoos containing Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Mycoseptin, Terbinafine, Mycoconazole. (Local antifungal agents - creams, sprays, gels).

For systemic treatment of dermatomycosis, Griseofulvin is used; it is a natural antimycotic that has a narrow spectrum of action, namely, it is active against dermatomycete fungi, Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epydermophyton, Achorionum.

1. Treatment must be accompanied by oral administration of griseofulvin. It should be taken for 15-25 days, and a bacterioscopic scraping should be taken once a week to detect fungus. As soon as the fungus is not detected, the intake of griseofulvin is continued every other day, at the same dose that the doctor calculated, for another 14 days, so that there is no relapse of the disease.
2. If the feet are affected by the fungus, it is recommended that they be treated with Ketoconazole or Clotrimazole orally, and selenium sulfide applied externally.

For the treatment of chronic ringworm, in addition to antifungal agents, both local and oral (Griseofulvin), vitamin therapy, immunomodulators, and drugs that strengthen blood vessels and improve microcirculation are also indicated.

Hygiene measures when in contact with a sick person

If you or your child have touched a sick animal or interacted with a sick person, then you need to take immediate action.

1. The sooner you wash away particles containing fungus from your skin, the less likely you are to become infected.
2. Wash your hands several times with antifungal soap. The simplest remedy, which is available in almost every store, is cinnamon laundry soap, or better yet, soap with birch tar.
3. Wash your entire body with this soap. Suddenly, particles of the patient’s skin got under his clothes. Do not use a hard washcloth. It leaves micro-scratches on the skin, into which fungus easily penetrates.
4. To wash your hair, you must use an antifungal shampoo. For example, Nizoral. You can also use it as a shower gel.
5. A modern remedy with a powerful antifungal effect is Citeal. Dilute it in a small container five times. You will end up with a foaming liquid that can be used to wash your hands and entire body.
6. Lavender oil, tea tree oil and turpentine have an antifungal effect. They can be used to treat small areas of skin.

Also, five days after contact, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. He examines the body with a Wood's lamp. If you do become infected, the disease can be detected in the early stages. This will help you quickly treat her at home and avoid going to the hospital.

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is one of the most common infections. Patients often do not realize that changes in the color and structure of the nail beds are a symptom of infection. They often turn to a dermatologist too late, when large areas are affected.

Infection is promoted by: mechanical pressure, trauma and systemic diseases, such as diabetes.

The first changes usually occur on the free edge of the nail plate or on the side of the lateral shafts. The plates become yellow-brown or greenish, brittle, gradually thicken, and delaminate. The diagnosis of mycosis must be confirmed by mycological examination.

Onychomycosis

Prevention measures

Prevention includes maintaining good personal hygiene and isolating sick animals or people.

At the place where the patient is identified, thorough disinfection is carried out, bed linen and accessories, soft toys, and carpets are subjected to heat treatment. A sick child is not allowed into the children's group until the ringworm is completely cured. Patients are prohibited from visiting swimming pools, saunas, and baths. Kindergarten teachers, nannies, utility workers, and bathhouse attendants are suspended from their duties.

Is ringworm dangerous for humans? The most serious consequences are persistent alopecia areata due to scarring of the skin tissue. The disease should be treated as soon as it begins to manifest itself in order to prevent infection of the immediate environment and reduce the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction.

Preventive measures and skin care during illness

To exclude re-infection or recurrence of lichen in the groin, the patient needs to change his lifestyle:

• follow a diet, exclude allergenic foods from the diet;
• treat colds in a timely manner;
• lichen in the groin in women becomes a consequence of hypothermia, so it is necessary to dress warmly in cold weather;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• take medications to improve immunity;
• spend more time outdoors;
• avoid contact with an infected person;
• do not pet street animals, do not allow pets to walk independently;
• take care of your oral cavity;
• keep the groin area clean.

Such measures significantly reduce the risk of contracting inguinal lichen again.