Ringworm By James

General InformationThis disease is Ringworm, otherwise known as tinea capitis or tinea corporis. This was originally discovered by David Gruby. This is a common, extremely contagious disease, with more than 3 million cases annually in the U.S. alone.

General InformationThis disease is almost always self-diagnosable, and almost never needs laboratory testing to diagnose it. This disease is extremely contagious and can be spread by any type of contact with affected areas, or even contact with an object that a contaminated person touched.

Major Outbreaks of RingwormIn Yugoslavia, in the 1950’s, more than 50,000 people were treated for ringworm. Also in the 1950’s, Israel was forced to irradiate more than 20,000 cases of ringworm.

Body Parts AffectedOne of the more common affected zones is the scalp (tinea capitis). Other affected body parts include the feet, the groin area, the chest and the hands.

SymptomsHair loss, itchy scalp, fissures on the skin, Darkening and flakiness of the skin, peeling, red rashes, and itchiness, and scaly patches.

TreatmentsAlways an antifungal treatment. Itraconazole and Terbinafine by mouth are the common antifungal treatments. Cleanliness and hygiene are common self treatments that may help rid the disease. Naftifine, Terbinafine and Butenafine are all applied directly to the affected area.

Type of PathogenThis is a fungal pathogen, usually caused by trichophyton or a microsporum. A pathogen is any type of microorganism that can cause disease.

How does the disease affect/spread through the body?Ringworm spreads in the body through dermatophytes attacking skin cells, which is why the disease symptoms are visible on the skin. These dermatophytes feed on a substance called keratin, which tends to live on the skin and hair, which is why the skin and scalp are the most prone to the disease.

How does the immune system kill it?The immune system immediately builds up cell walls when notified that the dermatophytes are in the body. The immune system send out an antifungal substance which is secreted by our mucous membranes whenever a fungal pathogen attacks. In most cases our immune system with addition to antifungal drugs can fight off Ringworm with ease. In some cases the disease turns more severe usually due to the particular person’s immune systems issues.

Where the disease is commonRingworm is common is many warm, moist areas. A combination of sweat or water, and an open wound can be a mixture for ringworm. Cats are common carriers of the disease.

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3) Hartsock, Angela. "What Is Ringworm? - Infections Caused by Trichophyton & Microsporum Fungi." Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2015.

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5) Berman, Kevin. "Ringworm: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.

6) Drummond, Rebecca. "Immune Responses to Fungal Pathogens." Bitesized Immunology. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2015.