Ringworm: Causes and Treatment
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection that causes a rash. The rash is frequently irritating and round, with clearer skin in the middle. The name is ringworm but there is no worm involved it's just a fungal infection.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and scalp ringworm are all connected to ringworm (tinea capitis). Ringworm is most commonly transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.
Antifungal drugs administered to the skin can commonly cure mild ringworm. However, the risk of ringworm becoming more severe may require taking antifungal medicines for several weeks to ensure complete recovery.
Types of Ringworm
Ringworm can affect different parts of the body and is classified based on its location:
- Tinea corporis: Ringworm on the body.
- Tinea capitis: Ringworm on the scalp.
- Tinea pedis: Also known as athlete’s foot, it affects the feet.
- Tinea cruris: Commonly called jock itch, it occurs in the groin area.
- Tinea unguium: Affects the nails, also called onychomycosis.
Each type has distinct symptoms but typically presents with itchy, scaly, and ring-shaped rashes.
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms
Ringworm can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- A ring-shaped scaly area is found on the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs.
- Itchiness
- Inside the ring is a transparent or scaly area with a scattering of bumps ranging in colour from red on white skin to reddish, purple, brown, or grey on black and brown skin.
- Expanding rings that are slightly elevated
- Itchy skin in a circular, flat spot
- Rings that get overlapped
When To See a Doctor?
Visit a doctor once you notice discomfort on your skin, any kind of burning sensations, early symptoms of ringworm infection, or if you came in direct contact of a person suffering from ringworm infection.
Get the best treatment for Ringworm infection and skin disorders from the best Dermatologists and skin experts at Medicover Hospitals.
Causes
Ringworm is a contagious fungus produced by common mold-like parasites that reside on the cells of your skin's outer layer. It can be disseminated in a variety of ways:
- Human to human contact -Ringworm is most commonly transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Animal to Human -Ringworm can be contracted by touching an infected animal. While caressing or grooming dogs or cats, ringworm can spread. In cows, it's also pretty prevalent.
- Object to Human -Ringworm can be spread by touching or rubbing against objects or surfaces that have recently been touched or rubbed by an infected person or animals, such as clothing, towels, beds and linens, combs, and brushes.
- Soil -Ringworm can be transmitted to people in rare situations by contact with infected soil. Infection would most certainly only occur after prolonged contact with infected soil.
Complications of Ringworm
If untreated, complications of ringworm may include:
- Secondary infections: Bacterial infections can develop from scratching.
- Spread to other areas: The infection can expand to other parts of the body.
- Permanent skin changes: Severe cases may cause scarring or discoloration.
- Nail deformities: In the case of nail ringworm, thickening or damage to the nails may occur.
Timely treatment with antifungal medications can prevent these complications.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may be able to identify ringworm just by looking at it. Skin scrapings from the afflicted area may be taken by your doctor to be studied under a microscope.
Treatment
If over-the-counter therapies don't work, you may need prescription-strength antifungal drugs, which are applied to the affected area as a lotion, cream, or ointment. Your doctor may prescribe oral medication for ringworm if your illness is especially severe or widespread.
Prevention from Ringworm Infection
Ringworm is a difficult infection to avoid. It is caused by a common fungus, and the disease is spread even before symptoms develop. Reduce your ringworm risk by following these steps:
- Educate yourself and others around you -Be cautious of the possibility of contracting ringworm from sick humans or animals. Inform your children about ringworm, including symptoms to look out for and how to avoid infection.
- Keep it clean-Hands should be washed frequently. Keep common areas, such as schools, child care facilities, gyms, and locker rooms, clean. Shower right after practice or a game if you play contact sports, and keep your uniform and equipment clean.
- Keep yourself cool and dry -In hot, humid weather, avoid wearing heavy clothing for lengthy periods of time. Avoid sweating excessively.
- Stay away from sick animals -The infection often appears as a patch of skin with no fur. If you have pets or other animals, have them checked for ringworm by your veterinarian.
- Personal items should not be shared -Allow no one to use your clothes, towels, hairbrushes, sports equipment, or other personal belongings. Also, do not borrow such items.
Lifestyle changes and Self Care
Try these self-care tips if you have ringworm or a mild case. Clean and dry the afflicted area.
- Always stay hygienic.
- Apply an antifungal lotion, cream, or ointments to the affected area.
- Before going in the sun apply sunscreen.
Do’s and Don’ts
When one person is infected with ringworm infection, there are certain things a person has to follow to cure it. Hygiene is the key to stop the spread of this infection.
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Do’s |
Don’ts |
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Wear cotton clothes. Try purchasing clothes that have 100% cotton linen. |
Wear synthetic clothes, or tight-fitting dress that does not allows air to pass. |
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Bath 2 times a day daily. |
Scratch or rub the infection. |
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Wash your clothes, and towel properly. |
Share your clothes, towels or any other personal items. |
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Use antifungal powders after bathing. |
Self medicate for treating infections with over the counter medications. |
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Keep your pets clean, maintain their hygiene and check if they have any infections. |
Try any home remedies that burn the infection and leave scars. |
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Complete the full course of medications. |
Leave your infections untreated. |
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Book an AppointmentCare at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of doctors and medical experts who are experienced in providing excellent healthcare services to our patients. Our dedicated team of experts, trained nurses and other paramedical staff offer the best care to a patient. We make use of advanced medical technology and advanced facilities for the diagnosis of conditions and treatment of health disorders. For ringworm infection, we are supported by highly experinced dermatologists and proper diagnostic facilities to promptly initiate the treatment and bring successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes, it spreads through direct contact with infected skin, surfaces, or animals.
How do you treat ringworm?
Antifungal creams or oral medications are effective treatments for ringworm.
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms include itchy, scaly, and red patches that form a ring-like shape.
Can ringworm spread to pets?
Yes, pets can get ringworm and may also transmit it to humans.
What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
How long does it take to cure ringworm?
Mild cases may heal in 2-4 weeks, while severe cases may take longer with treatment.
Can you prevent ringworm?
Yes, by maintaining good hygiene, avoiding shared personal items, and keeping skin dry.
Does ringworm leave scars?
If untreated or scratched excessively, ringworm may cause scarring.
