RECURRENCE OF INFECTION OF THE FEET DUE TO RINGWORM FUNGUS

Abstract

The problem of recurrence in epidermophytosis involves two main factors: reinfection from outside sources and renewed activity by fungi previously implanted within the epiderm. Prophylaxis against reinfection from outside sources has received the attention of such observers as Osbourne, Gould, Samuel Ayers, Jr., and Henderson. In their investigations, they proposed various applications and methods for the prevention of this form of reinfection, such as disinfection with formaldehyde and immersion of the feet in solutions of sodium hypochlorite and sodium thiosulphate. Reinfection through the renewed activity of the dormant ringworm organisms in the epidermis has not been given much serious consideration, for the only contribution on this subject in the American dermatologic literature is the recent publication of Jamieson and McCrea. As a result of their histologic studies of skin infected by ringworm they concluded: (1) that invasion of the skin by ringworm mycelia may be either superficial or deep (in