Fungal infection
What is a fungal infection?
With fungal infection relating to the different types of fungus found on this site as mentioned ringworm is not a worm, ringworm is not a parasitic worm it is a fungus and Athletes foot is just another form.
Ringworm is a fungal infection and is caused by several different fungus organisms that all belong to a group called Dermatophytes, Dermatophytes are a label given for a group of three types of fungus that commonly cause fungal infection, and skin disease in humans and animals. Fungal infection can form anywhere on your skin and the fungus often will grows from the inside out.
Dermatophytes are responsible for causing fungal infection of the skin, nails, hair, and scalp and feed off the keratin in the skin, keratin is fibrous protein which is the main structural constituent of hair, finger nails, and the horns of most animals. As the fungus feeds on the keratin in a fungal infection the person has a reaction to byproducts produced by the fungus in way of inflammation, Dermatophytes need to spread from one host to another to survive, it is also interesting to note that some Dermatophytes may prefer to live in the soil.
Ringworm
Another common dermatophyte is Microsporum canis which is transmitted from animals such as cats and dogs then onto to people, cats are a very good host for ringworm and other fungal infection, Dermatophyte type fungal infection are more common in people who are involved in contact sports, use public swimming pools and very common in some schools, the presence of a dermatophyte infection is easily confirmed by microscopy and culture of the suspected individuals skin scrapings of suspect fungal infection.
How can fungal infection be prevented?
Listed below are some quick common methods …
(1) Do not share your hair brushes, towels, hats and clothing with other individuals, this is a good way to spread the condition, not only that the transference of parasitic lice also, Ringworm is fairly difficult to prevent as it is a very common fungal infection.
(2) Barbershops, beauty salons should always disinfect their tools of the trade with an approved disinfectant after each use to stop the spread of fungal infection.
(3) Encourage frequent hand washing and personal hygiene especially in children, this will help to prevent fungal infection from spreading.
(4) Keep all areas where it is moist such as locker rooms, gyms, clean with disinfectant.
Please view the short video below for more information.
