First cases of 'highly contagious' ringworm fungus that causes horror rashes identified in holiday hotspots

A SEXUALLY transmitted ringworm caused by a rare fungus has been reported for the first time in the United States.

The infection, called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), is also on the rise in Europe.

Ringworm, sometimes called itch when it affects the groin, is a mold-like parasite that lives on the skin and is spread through contact with an infected person.

Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms.

The disease is not fatal, but this new strain is very difficult to treat and can lead to permanent scarring, experts have warned.

The new case, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology involved a man in his 30s from New York who reported having sex with several men while traveling in England, Greece and California.

When he returned home, he developed a red, itchy rash on his legs, groin and buttocks.

After taking a skin biopsy of her rash, doctors diagnosed her with tinea puborectalis, a rare form of sexually transmitted muscular eczema.

Although ringworm has been seen in the groin area before, experts said this is the first time the bug has been transmitted in this area through sexual contact.

Cases in Europe

This disease is caused by the fungus (TMVII) and cases are increasing across Europe, particularly among men who have sex with men.

New York University (NYU) experts writing the report warned that this new, “highly contagious” form of ringworm poses a “potential threat to public health.”

French doctors reported 13 cases of the fungus last year, according to a report published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

One of the patients was infected in Germany, where he lived, and three others had returned from a trip to Slovenia, Spain and India.

The report's lead author and dermatologist, Dr. Avrom Caplan, said: “Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a group of serious skin infections that have now reached the States. -United. »

NYU scientists have found that the fungus can take months to disappear, even when the patient receives treatment.

The American's infection responded to standard antifungal 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 then received terbinafine for six weeks and itraconazole for an additional eight weeks.

The rash may look like eczema

This fungus causes rashes that can spread to the face, limbs, groin and feet, according to the press release for the report.

However, unlike the sharp circles typical of other forms of ringworm, ringworm caused by this new fungal infection can be confused with lesions caused by eczema.

This confusion could lead people not to immediately seek the appropriate treatment, the release said.