what is ringworm ?
A fungal infections of the skin resulting in raised red swellings or lines that resemble burrowing worms; includes the diseases known as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm or the scalp.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key word "ringworm" to get these possible sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringworm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/article.htm
http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/fungal/ringworm.html
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a common contagious fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, and nails. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a type of fungi called dermatophytes. It can appear as a circular or ring-shaped rash with red, scaly edges and a clear center.
To understand more about ringworm, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by searching for "ringworm" on a reliable source like medical websites, health organizations, or dermatology journals. Examples include WebMD, Mayo Clinic, or the American Academy of Dermatology.
2. Look for reputable sources that provide accurate and up-to-date information on ringworm symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention methods.
3. Read through the information provided to familiarize yourself with the topic. Pay attention to the main aspects such as what ringworm is, its appearance, how it spreads, and the affected areas.
4. Focus on understanding the causes of ringworm. Learn about the types of dermatophyte fungi that cause the infection and how they thrive on human skin or in the environment.
5. Explore the typical symptoms of ringworm, such as the appearance of the rash, itching, redness, scaling, and possible complications if left untreated.
6. Learn about the diagnosis process, which often involves clinical examination, visual inspection, microscopic examination of the affected area, and possibly some laboratory tests such as fungal culture or skin scrapings.
7. Look for information on treatment options. Common treatments include antifungal creams, oral medications, and in severe cases, prescription antifungal pills. Understanding the duration and success rates of treatments can be helpful.
8. Lastly, explore preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene, avoiding direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects, and keeping the skin clean and dry.
Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan if you suspect you have ringworm or any other medical condition.