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| Ringworm and Tinea Information |
Ringworm & Tinea
Ringworm and Tinea are general terms used to describe common and very
contagious skin infections. They are not caused by a "worm" but by a
fungus. Fungi are found everywhere and are extremely small, being seen
only with a microscope. Ringworm and Tinea are transmitted from other
individuals or animals, or by contact with infected surfaces such as
towels, carpet, bedding, weight rooms, tanning beds, showers and baths.
Ringworm is much more common in hot, humid weather and can occur at any
age. Risk of getting it increases with crowded living conditions,
daycare centers or schools, decreased resistance to infection caused by
illnesses or drugs, chronic moisture, and chafing of the skin. The
diagnosis of ringworm can usually be made by its typical appearance on
the skin. IN unusual cases, a small scraping of an affected area can be
examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Ringworm is
curable but takes weeks to months of treatment, sometimes longer.
Recurrence is common and a chronic infection may occur.
Ringworm can occur anywhere on the body. On the skin, ringworm starts as
slightly raised, red to brown round patches that itch. As the patch
enlarges a central clear area develops-this is where it gets the name
"ringworm". Small blisters can occur with ringworm of the groin or feet.
Itching is common and can be severe. Scratching can cause bacterial
infections in addition to spreading the fungal infection.
Tinea is categorized by where it occurs:
* Tinea capitis: fungal infection of the scalp (This requires treatment
with prescription medication/ over-the-counter creams will usually not
cure tinea capitis.)
* Tinea corporis: fungal infection of the body
* Tinea cruris: fungal infection of the groin (jock itch)
* Tinea pedis: fungal infection of the feet (athlete's feet)
Wrestlers cannot wrestle in practice or competition with ringworm or
tinea.
Treatment
Mild cases of ringworm and tinea can be treated with the
over-the-counter medications. Use them exactly as directed on the
product's label. Read the entire instructions, including the warnings
and side effects of any medicines used. Apply a small amount of
antifungal cream or ointment (like Lamisil or Lotrimin) to affected
areas. For athlete's feet, also use a powder (like Desenex) in all your
pairs of shoes. Taking an over-the-counter tablet of Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
by mouth every four to six hours or using an Aveeno oatmeal bath can
help with itching. Hydrocortisone cream (like Cortaid) can help with
itching, redness and irritation. If ringworm is not responsive and
over-the-counter medicines, your doctor may recommend a prescription
cream to apply to the skin. Continue to use this for 10 days after the
infection appears to be completely cured and keep it from coming back.
In severe cases that do not respond to medicine applied to the skin,
your doctor may give you a prescription medicine taken by mouth.
Ringworm of the scalp usually requires weeks to months of treatment with
a medication taken by mouth.
DO:
* See your doctor to make the diagnosis, get treatment, and obtain
medical clearance.
* Shower and shampoo daily. Gently wash affected areas with a cloth, dry
off well (especially your feet, then apply any prescribed creams or
ointments to affected areas. Use your own soap and shampoo.
* Keep moisture away from skin. It is important to keep areas infected
with ringworm clean and dry. Always wear clean, dry clothing. Cotton or
toher absorbent clothing is best. Avoid tight shoes or clothing (like
nylon) that chafes your skin.
* Carefully launder all clothing and towels. Change bedding every two
days.
* Keep hair cut short and nails trimmed.
* Treat the infection as directed - this will make it heal the quickest.
If prescribed topical antifungal creams use them as directed for three
to four weeks. If prescribed medication taken by mouth, take them as
directed by your doctor. If taking medication my mouth, your doctor my
ask you to take a blood test.
* Pets and rodents are a common source of re-infection. Get treatment
for pets with skin infections.
DON'T:
* Don't wrestle or workout in the wrestling room until:
o At least five full days of treatment have passed
o The area looks completely normal and healed
o Your trainer or physician clears you
* Don't share personal items like headgear, wrestling shoes, razors,
combs, brushes, hats, soaps, towels, clothing or bedding.
* Don't scratch.
Never use bleach, peroxide, iodine or other chemical disinfectants.
These may not cure it, may scare and may irritate the skin. This may
make it look worse to the referee or doctor and delay your return to
competition.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:
* If the rash has not improved after two weeks of treatment.
* If signs of a bacterial infection develop such as fever, pus drainage,
oozing, crusting, swelling or pain.
* If skin changes occur such as scarring or bleeding.
* If a family member has signs of ringworm.
* Any new, unexpected symptoms or problems occur as some treatments may
cause side effects.
For More Information: American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org
From "Championship Nutrition and Performance: the Wrestler's Guide to
Lifestyle, Diet and Healthy Weight Control" by N. Rizzo, M.D., available
at wwww.wrestlersdiet.com
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