brand logo

Dermatologists worried over fungal infection

22 Jul 2021

  • Tinea causes ringworm shaped rash
BY Dinitha Rathnayake Health authorities have expressed concern about a fungal skin disease identified as Tinea that is spreading in the country. Speaking to The Morning, Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists President Dr. Chandani Udagedara said that the disease identified as Tinea is caused by a fungus. “This skin disease is not new to Sri Lanka, but we have observed an increase in the spread of this fungal disease.” This dermatophytosis (infection which in this case is on the skin) caused by a dermatophyte, – in this case, Tinea – which is communicable among humans, is also called ringworm, owing to the lesions caused by the infection resembling a worm in the shape of a ring, despite the term being a misnomer since the infection is caused by a fungus and not a worm. Tinea causes a ring shaped rash that is itchy, red, scaly and slightly raised, where the rings usually start out small but then expand outward. According to Dr. Udagedara, self medication is the main reason for the fungal disease in Sri Lanka. “Most of the people try to get medicine from the pharmacy when there is itching in the groin area without having proper medical consultation. Some of these medicines are allergic to this fungus and aggravates the fungal spread. Therefore, we advise the public to take proper medical advice from a doctor,“ she explained. Personal hygiene is also important to control the spread of Tinea where Dr. Udagedara advised the public to use clean bed sheets and towels and to avoid wearing tight clothes. According to reports between January 1978 and December 1987, 106 cases of tinea capitis (affecting the scalp) were detected in Sri Lanka.  


More News..