A SEXUALLY transmitted ringworm caused by a rare fungus has been reported for the first time in the US.
The infection, called trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), has also been on the rise in Europe.
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Ringworm, sometimes referred to as jock itch when it affects the groin, is a mould-like parasite that lives on the skin and is spread via contact with an infected person.
Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms.
The condition is not fatal but this new strain is very hard to treat and can result in permanent scarring, experts have warned.
The new case, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology involved a New York City man in his 30s who reported having sex with several men during a trip to England, Greece and California.
When he got home, he developed a red, itchy rash on his legs, groin, and buttocks.
After taking a skin biopsy of his rash, doctors diagnosed him with tinea puborectalis, a rare sexually transmitted form of jock itch.
While ringworm has been observed in the groin area before, experts said this is the first time the bug had been transmitted to the area through sexual contact.
Cases in Europe
The condition was caused by (TMVII) fungus, and cases are on the rise throughout Europe – particularly among men who have sex with men.
Experts from New York University (NYU) who write the report have warned this new “highly contagious” form of ringworm is a “potential public health threat”.
Doctors in France reported 13 cases of the fungus last year, according to a report published in the journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
One of the patients was infected in Germany, where he lived, and three others had returned from travel to Slovenia, Spain, and India.
Lead author of the report and dermatologist Dr Avrom Caplan, said: “Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a group of severe skin infections to have now reached the United States.”
The NYU scientists found that the fungus can take months to clear up, even when the patient receives treatment.
The US man’s infection responded to standard anti-fungal treatment, but it took four and a half months to heal.
He was put on fluconazole for four weeks, during which time doctors saw no improvement.
He was then given terbinafine for six weeks and itraconazole for a further eight.
Rash may look like eczema
This fungus causes skin rashes which can spread on the face, limbs, groin, and feet, according to the press release on the report.
However, unlike the neat circles typical with other forms of ringworm, the tinea caused by this new fungal infection may be mistaken for lesions caused by eczema.
This confusion could lead people not to seek the appropriate treatment right away, the press release said.
Ringworm: Everything you need to know
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin.
Ringworm commonly affects arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body.
Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms.
What does ringworm look like?
Signs typically appear between four and 14 days after your skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, including:
- Circular, ring-shaped scales or plaques
- Flat patches with a raised, round border
- Itchy skin
- Hair loss or bald spots in the affected area
What causes ringworm?
Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm.
This type of fungus naturally lives on your skin, hair and nails. However, when their environment gets hot and damp, the fungi start growing uncontrollably.
You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone else’s skin.
How contagious is ringworm?
Ringworm is contagious. It can live on your skin, on surfaces and in soil. The main ways ringworm spreads are:
- Skin-to-skin contact with a person who has ringworm
- Contact with an infected dog, cat or animal (livestock or pets)
- Contact with a contaminated surface, such as a locker room floor or sweaty gym clothes
- Sharing objects with an infected person or animal such as a brush, towel or bedding
- Contaminated soil
How is ringworm treated?
Several nonprescription (over-the-counter) and prescription antifungal medications are available to treat ringworm.
Antifungals come in various forms like creams, gels or powders.
Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication