Ringworm [Dermatophytes] : Dermatophytosis is a clinical condition caused by fungal infection of the skin in humans, pets such as cats, and domesticated animals such as sheep and cattle. The fungi that cause parasitic infection (dermatophytes) feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive on skin that is warm and moist, but may also survive directly on the outsides of hair shafts or in their interiors. In pets, the fungus responsible for the disease survives in skin and on the outer surface of hairs. A number of different species of fungi are involved. Dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum are the most common causative agents. Antifungal treatments include topical agents such as miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, or tolnaftate .


Tinea Cruris (“jock itch”) : Jock itch is an infection of the groin area caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea cruris, or ringworm of the groin. Causes Jock itch occurs when a type of fungus grows and spreads in the groin area. Jock itch occurs mostly in adult men and teenage boys. Some persons who have this infection also have athlete's foot and ringworm.The fungus that causes jock itch thrives in warm, moist areas. Jock itch can be triggered by friction from clothes and prolonged wetness in the groin area, such as from sweating. Jock itch can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with unwashed clothing. Symptoms Jock itch usually stays around the creases of the upper thigh and does not involve the scrotum or penis. Jock itch may spread to the anus, causing anal itching and discomfort. Symptoms include: • Red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze; patches often have sharply-defined edges. • Patches are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. • Abnormally dark or light skin. Sometimes, these changes are permanent. Treatment Tinea cruris is treated by applying antifungal medicine thinly with your fingertips, as directed. Spread the medicine on sparingly and massage it in gently until it disappears. To prevent recurrences, continue the antifungal medicine for two weeks after the rash has cleared up. Apply nothing else to your groin except water. Cleanse your groin with plain water, since soap aggravates groin rashes. Dry the area thoroughly after bathing. Tinea cruris usually clears up promptly with antifungal medicines applied to the skin. Tinea cruris is only one cause of groin itching. If your rash does not improve, please return for further evaluation.


Tinea Pedis ( Athlete's foot ) : Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis, or ringworm of the foot. Causes Athlete's foot occurs when a certain fungus grows on the skin of your feet. The same fungus may also grow on the heels, palms, and between the fingers. Athlete's foot is the most common type of tinea fungal infection. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas. Your risk for getting athlete's foot increases if you: • Wear closed shoes, especially if they are plastic-lined • Keep your feet wet for long periods • Sweat a lot • Develop a minor skin or nail injury Athlete's foot is easily spread. It can be passed through direct contact or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces. Symptoms The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or side of the foot. Other symptoms can include: • Red and itchy skin • Burning or stinging pain • Blisters that ooze or get crusty If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble. Medication Conventional treatment typically involves daily or twice daily application of a topical medication in conjunction with hygiene measures outlined in the above section on prevention. Keeping feet dry and practicing good hygiene is crucial to preventing reinfection. Severe or prolonged fungal skin infections may require treatment with oral antifungal medication.Zinc oxide-based diaper rash ointment may be used; talcum powder can be used to absorb moisture to kill off the infection. Treatment Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can help control the infection: • These contain medicine such as miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine or tolnaftate. • Keep using the medicine for 1 to 2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from returning.