Pathogens and routes of infection
Dermatophyte fungi feed on the keratin of skin, hair and nails. Microsporia is most often caused by a fungus, the source of which is cats, especially kittens, and dogs. Trichophytosis is caused by fungi transmitted from person to person or from farm animals. Infection occurs through direct contact, through combs, hats, towels, bed linen, and sports mats. Fungal spores persist for a long time in the external environment. Minor skin damage and sweating make it easier for infection to enter.
- Contact with sick cats and dogs
- Shared combs, hats, towels
- Kindergartens and schools
- Contact sports
- Contact with cattle
- Skin microtraumas
Symptoms
One or more rounded lesions with grayish-white scales form on the scalp. The hair in them is dull and broken off at the surface of the skin. Sometimes a suppurative form develops - kerion: a painful, edematous nodule with purulent discharge, which may leave scarring baldness. On smooth skin, pink ring-shaped spots appear with distinct raised edges covered with scales, blisters or crusts, and a lighter center. The itching is usually mild.
- Round lesions with broken hair
- Peeling with grayish-white scales
- Ring-shaped pink spots on the skin
- Raised edge of hearth
- Moderate itching
- Purulent node with suppurative form
Diagnostics
The dermatologist examines the lesions, including under a Wood's fluorescent lamp: hair affected by microsporum glows with a greenish light. To confirm, scales and broken hairs are taken for microscopy, and inoculation on nutrient media allows one to determine the type of fungus, which is important for finding the source. The doctor distinguishes ringworm from pityriasis rosea, psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and alopecia areata. Family members and contact children are also examined, and pets are shown to a veterinarian.
- Examination under Wood's lamp
- Microscopy of scales and hair
- Sowing for mushrooms
- Inspection of contact persons
- Examination of pets by a veterinarian
Treatment
For single lesions on smooth skin, antifungal creams and solutions are prescribed for several weeks. If the scalp is affected, vellus hair or there are many lesions, local remedies are not enough: oral antifungal drugs are needed, which are selected by the doctor taking into account the age and weight of the child, in combination with medicated shampoo. Treatment is continued until control tests are negative. Hormonal ointments without an antifungal component cannot be used: they mask and worsen the infection.
- Antifungal drugs orally for head lesions
- Local antifungals
- Medicinal shampoo
- Control tests before recovery
- Treatment of a pet at the veterinarian
Prevention and measures in the family
In order not to infect others or become infected again, it is important to maintain hygiene during the treatment period. The patient should have a separate comb, towel, hats and bed linen. Things are washed at high temperatures and ironed with a hot iron, combs and toys are treated. Children should not pet stray cats and dogs, and pets with bald spots should be taken to the veterinarian. The decision to return the child to the children's group is made by the doctor.
- Individual combs and hats
- Washing and ironing the patient's clothes
- Wet cleaning with detergents
- Examination of family members
- Do not contact stray animals
- Wash your hands after contact with animals