Causes and risk factors
Dermatophytosis is caused by a group of fungi called as dermatophytes like trichophyton, microsporum and epidermophyton. Beard ringworm is cause by Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Trichophyton verrucosum.The fungus is found in moist soil or warm areas like locker rooms or tanning beds or public showers. Infection can be spread by coming in contact with the infected soil or by sharing personal items like clothing, hairbrush, towels, and sports goods. Using shaving kits of the infected person or touching or scratching or rubbing the beard area with infected hands help in spread of infection to the beard area. Certain predisposing factors like diabetes and obesity also contribute to the causation.
Clinical presentation
The patient complaints of reddish eruptions along with itching ate the beard area. It appears as a ring shaped rash. Itching is seen. It may be present as bald patches with eruption or rash going outwards in concentric planes. The outer margins or rings are more marked giving appearance of circular rings. In severe cases the affected area becomes swollen and is red. It becomes painful. Burning pain is left. Blister formation along with crusts can be seen.
Investigations
Diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and on examining the lesion. The affected area is seen under black light, glowing of the affected area in black light is diagnostic. Routine blood test and tissue cultures can also be advised.
Treatment
Administration of antifungal medications is the only line of treatment. Topical or local ointments are prescribed. Along with this maintaining proper personal hygiene, avoiding sharing of personal items and use of foot wares near the swimming pool areas and locker room should also be implemented.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
