Don Smith

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

viptanner

Thank you Don for the information.
Now I have a question.
What is up with this "let soak for 1 minute"
to disinfect. Does this mean that if don't soak for 1 minute, people can catch these things from our equipment?

fungirlz

Our 16 year old got ring worm on her arm..
When I noticed it right away..we used an over the counter cream called LOTRIMIN. 3 times a day for over a week.. even as it began to improve we continued the cream 3 times a day.

I think she caught this at "WET N" WILD" a water park here in Central Fla.( I dislike public pools very much..) She was there for "Teen Lock In" they ride the water rides all night and sleep on the sun chairs.. (very weird to me but the teens love it)..
Two days after this event.. this came up on her arm..

The LOTRIMIN works well.

C

Tamar

I picked this up often while growing up. Must have been from all of the stray cats I lured home.

Chippp

I only use tanning booths, they are more hygienic by design, I always keep my sandals on, that way I never have any contact with any thing that may be on the machine. You can never be to sure, think about the flesh eating bacteria.
I feel much safer as many clients do, to use a tanning booth.

fungirlz

You can catch ring worm off your key board Chipp.. be careful to ALWAYS wear gloves...

Luke Skywalker

See it pops up every few years.

Neon Beach

I think I got that on my wedding day.

sunburnot

LOL......ROTF ahh neon you sleigh me

Luke Skywalker

Would that be a one horse open sleigh? Those are the worst.