A patient states they have ringworm. The nurse understands that this infection is ____
A caused by a dermatophyte.
B a common parasite.
C treated with antibiotics.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Caused by a dermatophyte.
Explanation:
Ringworm, also known medically as tinea, is a fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, or nails. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm, but rather by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive on keratin, a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails, and lead to a variety of skin conditions depending on the affected area (e.g., tinea corporis on the body, tinea capitis on the scalp, tinea pedis on the feet).
The term “ringworm” comes from the circular, ring-like rash that typically appears on the skin. This rash may be red, itchy, and scaly, and can gradually expand if left untreated.
Dermatophytes are spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or indirectly through contaminated objects like clothing, towels, or floors. It is a highly contagious infection and is especially common in warm, humid environments.
- Option A is correct because dermatophytes are the actual cause of the infection.
- Option B is incorrect. While parasites can cause skin issues, ringworm is not parasitic in nature; it is fungal.
- Option C is also incorrect because antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not fungal ones. Antifungal medications—either topical creams like clotrimazole or oral antifungals like terbinafine—are the appropriate treatment for ringworm.
In summary, the nurse correctly identifies that ringworm is caused by a dermatophyte, and should be treated accordingly with antifungal therapy, not antibiotics. Early identification and treatment are important to prevent spread and complications.