Ringworm of the hands, feet, crotch, and armpits. - Ringworm of the hands and feet is deserving of separate description because it has certain characteristics not seen in the other types of ringworm of the body. It is most often contracted from walking barefoot on floors infected with the causative organism, notably those in shower rooms and gymnasiums. Usually this variety begins between and under the toes as an itching, splitting, and maceration of the skin. Later, blisters usually appear on the soles and sides of the feet. These blisters are deep-seated they tend not to rupture spontaneously but to dry up and leave brownish thickenings at their sites. The disorder is almost invariably worse in hot weather. Itching is usually periodically intense, and, as a result of scratching the feet, the individual transfers of the organisms to the other parts of the body on which they will grow. It is a peculiar fact that the organism will grow readily only on the feet, hands, crotch, and armpits. The eruption seen on the hands is almost identical with that occurring on the feet.
The disorder occurs in the crotch and armpits as diffuse, red, scaling areas which itch intensely and have the appearance of irritation produced by changing. As it occurs in these areas, it is the disorder referred to as "gym itch." Fortunately, ringworm of the hands, feet, crotch, and armpits is usually easily remedied.
Ringworm of the beard and ringworm of the nails need not to be discussed here. Both are extremely rare, and the former is hardly to be expected in young persons.
Since it is at times possible for the physician, to say nothing of the layman, to have some question about the diagnosis of ringworm upon mere observation, it is necessary, before treatment is instituted, to demonstrate the causative organisms under the microscope. This is a very simple procedure and can be accomplished in a few minutes by one skilled in this work. If there is any question in the teacher's mind about any skin lesion, it is her duty to have the particular child isolated until a diagnosis is made.
Ringworm of the scalp
Ringworm of the body
by Clark W. Finnerud
Common Skin Diseases of Children
