Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, and nails. It appears as a ring-shaped infection. It is characterised by scaly and discoloured patches on the skin. Detection at an early stage is essential for better chances of curing ringworm infection. Several approaches are employed for diagnosing this condition. Infected persons should seek appropriate medical care instantly when they notice symptoms like scaly patches on the skin, itchiness, blisters or pustules, overlapping rings, hair loss, etc.
Keep reading to learn about ringworm diagnosis and the benefit of having trustworthy health insurance in financing the treatments.
Diagnosis of Ringworm
Some of the ringworm diagnosis tests include:
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Visual Evaluation:
A healthcare specialist will carefully inspect the skin for typical signs like red, and scaly patches with specified borders.
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Wood's Lamp Examination:
In this diagnostic process, ultraviolet (UV) light is illuminated on the affected area. Specific ringworms cast a blue-green fluorescent glow under UV light.
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Potassium hydroxide preparation of skin:
This is examined under a microscope to check for fungal components.
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Fungal culture test:
A sample of the concerned skin is gathered for fungal culture to identify the exact fungus causing the infection.
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Dermoscopy:
An instrument called dermatoscope is used to examine the skin lesion, utilising its transillumination technique.
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Biopsy:
Occasionally, when the diagnosis is doubtful, a piece of the involved skin may be surgically extracted for additional investigation. This enables the ruling out of other skin diseases and confirms the existence of ringworm.
Conclusion
Ringworm infection is a common problem observed especially in tropical areas. If you or somebody you know is experiencing ringworm-related symptoms, you must consult a healthcare specialist for a formal evaluation and diagnosis. A reliable health insurance policy can help you during a situation of financial necessity arising from any health issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.