Ringworm Outbreak of India: The despicable dermatological disease
Dr Manjunath Shenoy M, MD, DNB, Professor & Head of Dermatology, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, Coordinator, IADVL Special Interest Group- Recalcitrant dermatophytosis
The commonest fungal infection of skin is known in common language as “ringworm” due to its ring-like appearance. It has become a serious healthcare problem in India in the recent one decade. Many patients and families suffer from the disease, and it causes negative impact on the wellbeing of the patients and family. Patients often resort to taking over-the-counter (OTC) creams from chemists which usually contain illogical combinations of antifungal, corticosteroid and antibacterial. They generally give a temporary relief from symptoms but it recurs with very severe infections.1 The problem is far greater than what it appears to be. So, let us understand the disease scientifically and learn tips for a better care.
Fungal germs can be found in plants, soil, and even on your skin. Although there are millions of species of fungi, only about 300 of them can actually cause infections in humans. Fungal infection is a contagious disease that spreads by direct or indirect contact with fungi from an infected person or animal, or clothing, towels or other items. 2
Many fungal infections can affect the skin with dermatophytosis (ringworm) caused by fungal agents called dermatophytes being the most common. Dermatophytes are capable of growing by invading the upper layers of the skin, hair and nail for obtaining nutrients.3 This was never considered as a major public health hazard since it responded to standard medical treatments. Recently we have noticed inadequate response to the standard treatments which has forced to resort to an extended duration of treatment. Despite treatment, often patients experience recurrence of the disease.
Dermatophytosis has been named with different clinical terms like tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea unguinum etc depending on the body part involved. Common areas affected are the groin, lower part of the trunk, buttocks and underarm, but any part pf the body including face, hands and feet can be affected. Symptoms of fungal infection include itching, burning, scaling, redness and gradual spread to the surrounding and distant part of the body.2 Skin lesions are usually ring shaped that expand peripherally, while similar fresh lesions appear and coalesce to form large patches. Amount of itching is variable, but it is usually severe and disturb the sleep and daily activities causing embarrassment.
