“The world is unprepared for what will likely become a slow-growing epidemic of these skin infections,” warns an infectious disease professor.
If ringworm is a mild condition, the United States is concerned. American health centers report two cases of patients aged 28 and 47 affected by this skin disease. These ringworm cases were drug resistant.
Quoted by the MirrorDavid Denning, Professor of Infectious Diseases in Global Health at the University of Manchester cautions: “the world is unprepared for what will likely become a slow-growing epidemic of these skin infections.” Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a microscopic fungus, it develops on the beard, the scalp, etc. “The origin of transmission is from humans (anthropophilic dermatophytes), animals (dogs, cats, rabbits: zoophilic dermatophytes) or by soil contamination (geophilic dermatophytes)“, reports the website of the University Hospitals of Geneva.
Transmission by direct contact
“This new terbinafine-resistant fungus is a new species called Trichophyton indotineae and first identified in India“, explains David Denning, quoted by the Mirror. Before completing: “For two decades, we treated these infections with oral terbinafine for three weeks, with great success, until this new fungal species arrived. The most plausible explanation for its emergence is the frequent use in India of topical terbinafine (cream and ointment), which does not completely cover the infected area or penetrate deep into the skin, allowing escape of resistant variants“.
How is ringworm transmitted? “Transmission occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact, through hair, an animal or contaminated objects (combs, brushes). It is also possible with debris on clothes, hats, pillows, towels. Ringworm can be transmitted in the family unit or in the school environment. Untreated lesions are contagious“, warns the university site.
In case of ringworm, Ameli Health recommend to disinfect “caps, hoods, brushes with an antifungal powder” and to clean “clippers or razors used to cut hair“In addition, in the event of contamination of a child, it is essential to report it to the management of the school establishment. It is then possible to return to the community when a treatment has been put in place.
VIDEO – Health Book – Dr Christian Recchia: “Warning, Lyme disease is a real danger”