The fungal infection commonly called ringworm is often seen on dogs, cats or even children. Ringworm infection is also called Tinea and the fungus can be spread to others by means of direct contact. Pets can spread Tinea among themselves or even transmit the infection to humans.
The popular name ringworm probably evolved because the typical infection presents initially as a round red or brown circle of skin surrounding normal skin. It resembles a worm curled in a circle. This skin problem has nothing to do with worms however.
Tinea is normally characterized by the appearance on the skin and the eruptions could be crusty or they could be dry. In some cases this condition could actually resolve itself, however it can also leave scarring behind as well as patches of missing fur on pets. Humans who regularly have close contact with their pets should take precautions to avoid the infection spreading from the pet to the family members.
Often laboratory tests are deemed unnecessary to diagnose this condition. Doctors and veterinarians may well arrive at a diagnosis simply by observation of the lesions. In some cases the skin condition can be so severe that secondary bacterial infections can result. In the case of secondary infections a doctor or veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics to control them.
A ringworm infection in humans could be eliminated by using a common over-the-counter antifungal treatment. In many cases these treatments can be applied directly to the affected areas. In addition all clothing bedding and other personal items should be carefully washed and sanitized. Special measures should be taken to ensure this infection is not passed to other family members or pets.
If the problem does not resolve with the use of over the counter fungal treatments, a visit to the doctor is necessary. The doctor may decide to use an oral treatment instead of a topical antifungal treatment. In some cases, the problem could be caused by something other than Tinea.
Pets with a fungal infection such as ringworm can be more difficult to treat than humans. The reason is most pets are covered by fur which makes the topical approach more difficult. Normally shaving a pets fur completely off is not recommended unless advised by a veterinarian due to a very severe fungal overgrowth.
Since ringworm is spread by direct contact a pet with Tinea should have only very limited contact with children until the infection is gone. Oral medications might be prescribed by veterinarians in some cases. Recommended treatments may change with the severity of the infection and the environment in which a pet lives.
A rinse of lime sulfur is a long-standing treatment for ringworm. The drawback to a rinse or dip of lime sulfur is that it has an extremely objectionable and strong odor. There may be times when oral medication may be considered a preferable treatment by veterinarian. Tablets such as Griseofulvin may be used to clear up the fungal infection however many of these also require a very special diet to be most effective. At times topical creams may be used and these can be obtained through the veterinarian or in some cases over the counter without a prescription.
Whether the skin lesions appear on a human or a pet, if the owner or parent is unsure that it is ringworm then medical or veterinary advice should be sought immediately. There are skin conditions that can appear to be Tinea but can possibly be more severe. Whenever ringworm is suspected, proper sterilization of all personal items and grooming tools is important to prevent further spread of this fungal skin condition.
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