What is Ringworm?
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. You may need to take antifungal medicines for several weeks if you have a more serious illness.
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Symptoms
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.
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.
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 antifungal medicines if your illness is especially severe or widespread.
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.
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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.
Care 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 state-of-the-art 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.
Citations
Diagnosis and management of scalp ringworm BMJ 2003;326:539
