Fungal skin disease (Tinea)

This is caused by a tiny fungus. Tinea is a fungal skin disease.The main forms it takes are ringworm and athletes foot (tinea of the foot). Ringworm is a contagious skin condition caused by a fungus. It may occur on the scalp (in children only) or other parts of the body. On the scalp, ringworm begins as a small, round, scaly patch, which may be red. The patch slowly gets bigger and the hairs in the patch become brittle and break off, leaving a bald patch. There may be one patch or several.

On other parts of the body, it usually begins as a round or oval patch, which soon becomes scaly and red. The center of the patch then clears, leaving a ring-shaped sore. You can get ringworm by touching the infected area on another person. You can also get it by using the personal objects of an infected person, such as their hairbrush or towel. People living in the same house often catch it from each other, or from cats, dogs, guinea pigs and other pets. It is most common in children before puberty. Ringworm may persist for months or years if not treated.

Treatment:

Your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal cream to be applied to the affected area. Sometimes, you may need to take tablets as well. The symptoms should clear up in two to six weeks. However, sometimes, many months of treatment are needed.

Prevention:

Cleanliness is important to stop ringworm spreading. When infected, wash your scalp gently every day in comfortably hot water. Use a separate basin and cake of soap from the rest of the household. Sleep alone and don't let anyone else use your hairbrush, comb or towels. Wash your towels, sheets and pillowcases with soap and hot water twice a week and allow them to dry in the sun. Everyone in the household should also have their own brush, comb and towel, and should wash their hair frequently.

Exclusion from school - Children must stay away from school until proper treatment has begun. The school may ask for a medical certificate to say that this has happened. Other children who are in contact with the infected child may still attend school.