Ringworm of Eczeem - Hoe Kun Je Het Verschil Herkennen?

Wat merk ik bij huidschimmel?

Op uw huid krijgt u 1 of meer plekken met kleine schilfers (velletjes). Bij een lichte huid zijn de plekken meestal rood. Bij een getinte of donkere huid zijn de plekken meestal donkerder of lichter dan de kleur van de rest van uw huid. De randen van de plekken zijn vaak dikker.

Soms lijken de plekken op een ring, die steeds groter wordt. Daarom wordt huidschimmel ook wel ringworm genoemd. In het midden van de ring lijkt de huid weer beter te worden.

De plekken kunnen jeuken, soms geven ze een branderig gevoel.

Soms kunt u aan de zijkanten van uw vingers en op de handpalmen blaasjes krijgen (blaasjeseczeem). Dit is een reactie van uw lichaam op de huidschimmel, die op een andere plek op uw huid zit.

Adviezen bij huidschimmel

Deze dingen kunt u proberen tegen huidschimmel:

• Was uw huid liefst zonder zeep.
  Als u toch een keer zeep of shampoo gebruikt, spoel dan de huid goed af zodat er geen zeepresten blijven zitten.
• Droog de huid goed af.
  U kunt drogend poeder (talkpoeder) doen op plekken die moeilijk droog te maken zijn. Zoals tussen de tenen en tussen de plooien van de huid, bijvoorbeeld in de liezen, de bilnaad of onder de borsten.
• Draag kleren die ruim zitten, niet knellen en niet schuren tegen de huid. Draag het liefst katoenen ondergoed en sokken.
• Doe elke dag schone kleren aan.
• Gebruik een aparte handdoek voor het afdrogen van de plek waar de huidschimmel zit. Pak elke keer een schone handdoek.
• Draag uw eigen slippers in ruimtes waar veel mensen op blote voeten lopen, zoals in doucheruimtes en zwembaden.
• Draag schoenen die genoeg lucht doorlaten, zoals sandalen. Of schoenen van linnen of leer. Draag liever geen gesloten schoenen van rubber of plastic.

Een schimmel diep in de huid, kan van een huisdier komen. Ga dan met uw dier naar de dierenarts. Die kan uw dier op schimmels controleren en behandelen.

Common childhood infections and infestations

Childhood infections, which can be worse when you have an underlying diagnosis of eczema, include the following:

Chickenpox

The presentation of chickenpox can be variable, from just a few pustules to extensive pustules covering the entire skin’s surface and inside the mouth and ears. The infection is spread through blood, saliva and cough droplets.

Children with atopic eczema have a slightly higher likelihood of developing a complication of the infection. Parents will need to closely monitor them and their well-being by checking their temperature, looking for infected lesions and seeking medical advice if concerned.

If you have taken oral steroids within three months of contracting chickenpox, you may have a lowered ability to fight the infection and you will require closer monitoring by your GP. Oral antivirals or hospital admission may be needed to prevent complications. Topical steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus and tacrolimus) are less of an issue. See your GP for advice on continuing these treatments while you have new chickenpox lesions. Calamine lotion can be drying on the skin and is not usually helpful in children with eczema.

Molluscum contagiosum

This is a common childhood infection. The papules last between a few months and up to two years. They are highly contagious, and rubbing or scratching them helps them to spread on the skin. Treatment is not usually given as these viral lesions do eventually go away by themselves.

Scabies

Scabies are tiny mites that burrow and lay eggs in the outer layers of skin. Scabies infestations are very itchy and produce a rash. They are more common in children with eczema and are difficult to diagnose as the presentation is similar to that of eczema, also, the scabies may be hidden by the eczema. Scabies like warm places, such as skin folds, webs of the fingers, the feet and around the buttock or breast creases. They can also hide under watch straps, bracelets or rings. The incubation period is up to 8 weeks, and dry, scratched skin helps the infestation to spread. See your GP or pharmacist if you think you have scabies – it is not a serious condition but it does need treating. Permethrin cream and malathion lotion are medications that contain insecticides that kill the scabies mite. They are available to purchase over the counter from a pharmacist.

Skin infections and eczema

Skin infections are common in people with eczema and it is highly likely that at some point you will experience either a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. All of these infections require intervention to clear them up as they do not improve on their own. The quicker the infection is recognised and the sooner treatment is started, the better the response to treatment will be. Preventing infection is also important – from simple hand-washing before applying your creams to more sophisticated methods using antiseptics.

When you have eczema, the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) is often damaged. This damage can be visible to the naked eye, appearing as cracks and areas opened up by scratching. There is also less protection within the skin, which you cannot see. These alterations in the barrier function of the skin increase the potential for skin infection. Infections that develop because of the underlying condition of eczema are often described as ‘secondary infections’.

How Is Ringworm Treated?

Are Nummular Eczema and Ringworm Contagious?

Ringworm is a contagious skin infection caused by fungi. People are contagious until it goes away, or about 48 hours after treatment begins. Nummular eczema is not contagious.

Home Remedies

The fungus that causes ringworm can live on surfaces, so it is important to avoid touching public spaces with your bare skin. For example, if you choose to shower in your gym locker room, wear flip-flops to avoid touching the shower stall.

Wash your hands frequently, especially after petting animals. Never share personal items like combs or towels. Because ringworm thrives in hot, moist environments, change your socks and underwear daily, and always change out of sweaty or damp clothing right away.

Medication

Common forms of ringworm like athlete’s foot and jock itch can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medication. Antifungal creams, lotions, and powders are meant to be used for about two to four weeks. If you have not noticed any improvement after that time, see your primary care physician.

Common topical antifungal treatments that can be purchased without a prescription include:

• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine
• Ketoconazole
  

If your condition doesn't respond to treatment, see a doctor for a prescription. One form of ringworm that will not respond to OTC topical treatments is scalp ringworm. This type requires a prescription oral antifungal from a physician. These medications often need to be taken for one to three months.

Common prescription antifungal medications include:

• Griseofulvin
• Terbinafine
• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole
  

Get a Diagnosis Before Trying Topical Corticosteroids at Home

While topical corticosteroids are effective at treating eczema, they can actually make ringworm worse. Steroids may improve the itching and swelling, but they cannot kill the fungal infection. This may lead to the infection spreading and weakening your skin’s defenses.