ASK DOC: Preventing ringworm

Treating ringworm with antibiotics is not advisable because the ringworm infection is caused by a fungus. PHOTO| FILE

What you need to know:

  • She further adds that contrary to the popular belief, ringworms are not associated with worms or the stomach, but rather caused by a fungus.
  • A fungus is a tiny organism that can only be seen through a microscope. It grows on the skin and feeds on the tissues of the dead skin such as on the nails, skin and hair.

 

Ringworm, locally known as ‘mashilingi’ is a fungal infection that is of great public health concern due to its highly contagious nature.

It normally affects children aged between three  and 11 years. According to Dr Wanyika H.W, a consultant dermatologist, children who are below or above this age bracket and adults do not get ringworms but they may get other types of fungal infections. She further adds that contrary to the popular belief, ringworms are not associated with worms or the stomach, but rather caused by a fungus.

A fungus is a tiny organism that can only be seen through a microscope. It grows on the skin and feeds on the tissues of the dead skin such as on the nails, skin and hair.

 

Dear Doc,

How do I tell that what my child has is ringworm and not any other fungal infection?

Chiriku

 

Dear Chiriku,

Usually ringworm causes several itchy, scaly, coin-shaped patches to appear on the affected area. These patches start off as a ring of scaly skin and then continue to grow outward as the infection extends.

Ringworm on the scalp is characterised by dandruff (peeling of dead skin) and hair loss (bald patches) on the affected area.

The infection is not regarded as ringworm if there is no hair loss. When nails are affected, they may become thick and discoloured.

 

Dear Doc,

Why are children susceptible to ringworms?

Concerned mum.

 

Dear concerned mum,

Normally, the sebaceous glands in the skin secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum helps keep the skin waterproof and lubricated hence protecting it from drying out. Sebum also offers protection against bacterial and fungal skin infections. In adults and adolescents, there is adequate production of sebum to carry out these functions.

In children however, the sebaceous glands are not mature enough to produce sufficient amount of sebum that offer skin protection hence making them susceptible to ringworm infection.

 

Dear Doc,

Can you catch ringworm again after you have been treated?

Wesley

 

Dear Wesley,

Yes. It is very possible for ringworm infection to recur even after successful treatment. Treatment is only for that particular time of infection and does not guarantee that you will not catch the infection again in future. This means that you can still develop ringworm infection again if you come into contact with the ringworm-causing fungus.

 

Dear Doc,

My six year old son has ringworms on his head. Can I give him antibiotics and what else can I do to make him feel comfortable?

Mama Gerald

 

Dear Mama Gerald,

Unfortunately giving your son antibiotics will not work. This is because ringworms are caused by fungus and not bacteria. Antibiotics are only effective at killing bacteria. Treatment of ringworm involves use of antifungal medicines which may be either taken by mouth or applied on the skin. It is therefore important that you take your child to a skin Doctor (dermatologist), so that he can be given the right medicine. A dermatologist will also be able to prescribe the duration of using the medicine so as to completely get rid of the ringworm. To help the child stay comfortable keep his skin clean and dry, oil the skin regularly to avoid dryness, and dress him in clothes that do not rub against and cause irritation to the infected area.

 

Dear Doc,

What are ways in which a person can contract ringworm? Wacheke

 

Dear Wacheke,

A fungus can be easily contracted from soil, pets like dogs or cats, and you can also catch it from another person who is infected. Pets and human can share several diseases, which include ringworm. It is thus important to have your pet inspected by a vet if you suspect a skin infection and keep infected pets away from family members as well as other pets. Make sure to wash your hands using water and soap after coming into direct contact with a pet. Soil can also transmit infection and this is usually the most severe form of infection.

 

Dear Doc,

Please advise on how to prevent ringworm infection. Isabella

 

Dear Isabella,

Ringworm is very contagious and thus it can easily spread from one person to another. The fungus can remain for long in places like floors, and other personal effects such as combs. Good personal hygiene is very crucial when it comes to preventing the spread of ringworm. To achieve this;

 Make sure to regularly wash your hands with soap and water to get rid of germs. Avoid over use of antiseptic soaps as they can destroy the skin flora hence making it dry and susceptible to infections.

 Avoid contact with infected persons or pets.

 Do not share clothes, bedding, or other items such as hair brushes or combs as they cause ringworm to develop on the scalp.

 Ensure to wear shoes or sandals when walking around communal areas such as pools, gyms and lockers.

 

These questions have been answered and compiled by Dr. Torooti Mwirigi and the panel of DN2 Health Professionals. Have a question about your health? Please send it to [email protected]