Ringworm infection is a common skin malady. This is a kind of fungal disease that plagues people with the uncomfortable symptoms of infection. In order to further understand why ringworm affects certain parts of the body more than the other parts, let us try to look at important characteristics of the ringworm.
1. The ringworm likes moist and dark surroundings. – Like all other fungi types, the ringworm lives best on an environment that produces moisture and is always dark. This type of environment is favorable to the fungi’s growth and multiplication. This is the main reason why ringworm infections usually occur on the armpit, feet and groin regions. These are the parts of the body that are predominantly dark, warm and have moisture. Although ringworm infections are possible in any part of the body, most ringworm infections develop on the said body areas.
2. Ringworm feeds on keratin. – Keratin is a protein that is abundant on the skin. Ringworms need keratin in order to survive. Hence, this fungus type will invade the skin.
How can you know if you are developing a ringworm infection? Here are some of the initial symptoms that can be seen in a ringworm infection.
Initial symptoms:
1. Itching – This is one of the most common symptoms that manifest first in an infection.
2. Redness – Redness on affected areas is a common sign of a ringworm infection.
3. Raised borders – This is a characteristic feature that distinguishes ringworm infection those caused by other agents. The raised borders of lesions are seen in ringworm wounds or lesions.
4. Crusting skin – As the fungi feeds on keratin, it will tend to eat up the skin in a sense. Hence, you will see skin that flakes off o crusts at the borders. This is the effect of the fungi that thrives on the skin which is abundant in keratin.
Knowing the initial signs of a ringworm infection is important so that one can make the necessary measures to stop further developments of the fungal organisms. Understanding how it can propagate to other parts of the body can help you determine the best solutions for treating this irritating skin problem.
