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FYI:
I answered a question about "ringworm" over in the Salon Owner's Private Forum that I thought some of you might find interesting and informative.
Ringworm.
First of all, "ringworm" is NOT caused by a worm! This skin infection, like "sun spots" or "white spots" (Tinea versicolor) is caused by a fungi of the "Tinea" family.
If the "ringworm" is in the scalp, it is called "Tinea capitis" and a "ringworm" on the non-hairy areas of the body are called "Tinea corporis".
Ringworm consists of a red circle (a "ring") of small blisters or scales that grows outward as the infection spreads. Although children are the most susceptible to "ringworm", it can also affect adults.
Other forms ot "Tinea" that are commmon in addition to Tinea versicolor (sun spots); Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp); Tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) are: (1) Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and, (2) Tinea cruris (jock itch).
A physician may prescribe an antifungal medication like "miconazole" but most people "self medicate" with "over the counter" products for "athlete's foot" or "jock itch". A dandruff shampoo like "Selsun Blue" works well too.
Although it is theoretically possible to spread "ringworm" by personal contact, the process of properly "disinfecting" a sunbed (which is why the "concentration" of the cleaning/disinfecting solution is so important!) should negate this possibility in a tanning salon. The fact of the matter is that individuals who are prone to develop ANY Tinea infection have a genetic susceptibility to this "family" of fungi.
As with Tinea versicolor (sun spots), Tinea capitis and Tinea corporis "secrete" a substance that "inhibits" the tanning process and so they are much more readily "observed" as the surrounding skin "darkens" (as the tan develops). Thus, the reason people think that a Tinea infection is "caused" by a tanning bed is that AS THE TAN DEVELOPS the infection can be more easily seen. The tanning bed is not the "cause" of the Tinea infection but the "effect" of the tan makes it visible.
I hope this helps.
Don
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