Anecdotal evidence suggests ringworm infections are spreading in Germany due poor hygiene standards at barbershops. What you need to know.Itching, rashes, patches and baldness.
These are just some symptoms of ringworm, a fungal infection that appears to be spreading among young people in Germany. While reports are largely anecdotal, some dermatologist say they are seeing a growing number of cases of ringworm in their clinics, especially among male patients. And the reason could be two fashionable hair cuts: the "low fade" and the "undercut" — both involve shaving hair very close to the scalp.
You may have seen these styles worn by sportspeople, including players in the German EURO 2024 team. What is ringworm? Ringworm is fungal infection that affects the skin. It looks like skin peeling, a reddening, you may even have hair loss, or an inflammation.
The fungus Trichophyton tonsurans, a highly contagious pathogen that thrives in warm, moist environments, causes this condition. It can survive on objects that have been used by someone with ringworm. "This type of fungus is particularly resistant and can be found anywhere on the body where keratin is present.
That is, on the nails, hair or scalp. It can remain on the infected scales or spores for weeks," said Yael Adler, a dermatologist in Berlin. Why is ringworm being linked to haircuts in Germany? Some experts point to a proliferation of barbershops across Germany, where such cuts are given, as the cause of the infections.
But.