Skin Worms

Share the knowledge

Some of the most common types of parasitic worms do more than cause an upset stomach or fatigue. They can cause skin rashes, blisters, and intense itching. Intestinal parasites are quite common in undeveloped countries, but skin worms are also common. Skin worms and intestinal parasites can cause:

  • Extreme skin rashes with blisters
  • Food allergies or sensitivities
  • Anemia due to blood loss
  • Iron deficiency
  • Constipation
  • Gas and stomach bloating
  • Fatigue, tiredness, depression, and a lack of concentration
  • Nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness

If you have any of the symptoms listed above and you have just returned from overseas, you should contact a physician immediately. You should not attempt to diagnose the condition online. A doctor’s care is always the best care, so contact a doctor immediately.

Types of Skin Worms

A common type of skin worm is ringworm or ring worm. Ring worm or “Tinea” which means “growing worm” in Latin, is a fungal infection that can be found on the surface of the skin. The infection earned the name ring worm because it was earlier thought that an actual worm caused the infection. This is not the case. Ring worm is caused by fungus and the fungus creates a ring on the skin. The ring looks like a worm.

Also called “ringworm,” ring worm remains on the surface of the skin, hair or nails until treated and it does not invade other parts of the body, such as the insides or mucous membranes. Ring worm does, however, thrive in moist, warm conditions on the skin, such as the areas around the groin and between the toes. It is very easy to catch ring worm in places such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

There are eight types of ring worm including:

·Tinea barbae
·Tinea capitis
·Tinea corporis
·Tinea cruris
·Tinea faciei
·Tinea manus
·Tinea pedis
·Tinea unquium

Tinea barbae affects the beard and the face; Tinea capitis affects the scalp and it is more common in children; Tinea corporis affects the skin of the body; Tinea cruris (or jock itch) affects the folds of the groin down to the thighs; Tinea faciei affects the face (not the beard); Tinea manus affects the hands; Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) affects the feet, especially between the toes, and Tinea unquium affects the toenails and the fingernails by turning them thick, yellow, and crumbly.

If you notice rashes, rings on the skin or scaly patches on the skin, it may be ring worm. A doctor will diagnose the condition through one or more methods. He may diagnose the condition by sight, he may collect skin scrapings to view under a microscope or he might take a culture of the affected skin.

One of the most persistent types of ring worm is Tinea pedis. Fortunately, even the most persistent type of ring worm is easily diagnosed and treated. Depending on the type of ring worm, your doctor may prescribe oral medication, topical medication or both. The most effective topical anti-fungal treatments are creams that include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole or terbinafine. Cruex cream, Desenex cream, Lotrimin cream, lotion, and solution contain clotrimazole; Nizoral cream contains ketoconazole; Monistat-Derm cream contains miconazole; and Lamisil cream and solution contains terbinafine.

For severe cases of ring worm, oral medications may be necessary. Some of the most common antifungal tablets include: griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, and Gris-PEG), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and terbinafine (Lamisil). Griseofulvin is one of the oldest antifungal medications available. Some feel that is unsafe (taxing on the liver) and not as effective as the newer medications. When used as prescribed, however, older and newer oral medications are considered safe by physicians.

 

All About Worms is always free, always reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP Publishing.

CashApp us Square Cash app link

Venmo us Venmo link

Paypal us Paypal link

Note: Some links on this site are partner links. That means that we earn a tiny bit if you purchase something through them, at no extra charge to you. This helps offset the cost of keeping this resource free for everybody (it doesn't cover our costs, but every little bit helps! :~) )

Share the knowledge

Author: The Top Worm

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *