Question

Name any two organisms that are responsible for ringworms in humans. Mention two diagnostic symptoms. Name the specific parts of the human body where these organisms thrive and explain why.

Answer 1

Hint: Ringworm is a rash that occurs by a fungal infection. It is a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm's name is due to its appearance but no worm is present as such for infection.

Complete answer:
> Ringworm, also called dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin.
> Ringworm is the athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis).
> Ringworm is communicable and spreads by direct skin contact with an infected person or animal.
> Mild ringworm treats with antifungal medications by directly applying on skin. For critical infections antifungal pills are needed.
> Identification of ringworm done by skin and a black light to view skin in the affected area. If the infection is present black light glows.
> Causative organisms: Microsporum/ Trichophyton and Epidermophyton.
> Symptoms: Dry, scaly lesion on skin or nails or scalp and itching.
> These thrive in the junction area of the body or between toes because they thrive in heat, moisture areas.

Note: There are three stages of ringworms:
(i) Initial stage: a pink or red irritated patch of skin and very dry and scaly.
(ii) Second stage: lesion starts to grow in size and it spreads and grows. The center of the rash is similar to healthy skin around the scaly area.