Ringworm (or tinea) refers to contagious fungal infections that affect the top layer of skin, scalp, nails, and hair.
Ringworm is the name given to it because of its red, itchy appearance. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms.
It can affect various parts of your body.
This article will discuss ringworm’s symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Ringworm facts and figures
These are the main points you need to know about ringworm. The main article contains more information and supporting data.
- Ringworm has nothing to do whatsoever with worms.
- Ringworm is caused when a fungus eats keratin (a protein found in skin and hair)
- Ringworm is especially common in children under 15.
Treatment
Treatment is dependent on the type and severity of ringworm.
Scalp ringworm
Oral antifungals (tablets) are the most popular treatment for scalp ringworm. The type of fungi will determine the medication that is chosen.
Terbinafine (Lamisil). Side effects usually do not last for long and are typically mild. They could includeDiarrheaIt can cause nausea. Terbinafine should not be taken by people with liver disease.
Griseofulvin, (Grisovin). Side effects are usually quite mild and disappear quickly. headache, Indigestion, and you can also get nausea.
Shampoos that are anti-fungal These prevent the spread of Ringworm and can speed up recovery. However, they don’t cure it. There are many anti-fungal shampoos available.
The act of shaving a child’s head: This can reduce ringworm infections and speed up recovery.
Skin ringworm and groin infections
Anti-fungal creams are used in most cases. Anti-fungal creams come in different formats so make sure to read the instructions. These creams can be bought over-the-counter, or online.
The doctor may prescribe a prescription for a stronger topical medication if the symptoms are severe or cover a large part of the body that does not respond to OTC medicines.
Oral medication can be prescribed by your doctor (to be taken orally). Side effects of oral medications include stomach upset and rash.
Care for your skin during an infection
Proper care of the skin can speed up recovery.
- Be gentle with your skin
- Pat dry the skin gently.
- Use a towel to gently pat the skin in areas that are tender.
- You should dry the areas between your toes and folds.
- If they are covering an infected area, you should change your socks or underwear more frequently than usual.
- Treat the feet and the groin simultaneously, as infections often spread from one area to the next.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and undergarments whenever possible, such as boxers.
Signs
Different types of Ringworm can affect different parts of your body.
- Scalp ringworm (tinea capacities)This is more common in children younger than adults. This is more common in urban areas where people live close together, which gives the fungus more chances to spread.
- Ringworm in the skin and body (tinea corporis). This could affect children and adults as well as infants.
- Tinea cruris (groin infections)This is also known as jock itch and is more common in young men.
- Tinea pedis Common foot infections include athlete’s foot.
- Tinea unguiumOnychomycosis is also known as nail bed infection.
- Ringworm in the beard region is a condition that affects males who are able to grow facial hair. It often occurs after contact with an animal with ringworm.
Ringworm (or tinea) refers to contagious fungal infections that affect the top layer of skin, scalp, nails, and hair. Ringworm is the name given to it because of its red, itchy appearance. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It can affect various parts of your body. This article will discuss ringworm’s symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Ringworm facts and figures. These are the main points you need to know about ringworm. The main article contains more information and supporting data. Ringworm has nothing to do with Worms. Ringworm is caused when a fungus eats keratin (a protein found in skin and hair)Ringworm is especially common in children under 15.Treatment
Treatment depends upon the type of Ringworm.
Scalp ringworm
Oral antifungals (tablets) are the most popular treatment for scalp ringworm. The type of fungi will determine the medication that is chosen.
Stages
The type of ringworm determines the stages at which ringworm occurs.
The body’s patches are slow to grow in size. Other parts of the body may have more patches. Sometimes the center of the patch might become a ring. It is possible for several rings to merge.
The foot of an athlete tends to begin between the toes and spread to the sides or bottom of the feet. The skin between your toes may then become whiter and soften.
Ringworm begins under the nails with thickening skin. This is followed by thickening and discoloration. The nails will eventually fall off, become weaker, and then disappear.
The first sign of a rash is often found in the groin. It usually appears as a red, itchy spot at the junction of the legs and the body. It can also spread to the groin and inner thighs, waist, buttocks, and even the buttocks.
Diagnosis
After examining the affected area, and asking about the patient’s medical history and symptoms, a doctor can diagnose ringworm.
A small amount of skin may be removed, but it will not cause any harm. Then, they examine the area under a microscope to identify signs of fungi.
The doctor will determine if the skin problem is caused by psoriasis. If symptoms are severe, further testing is not necessary.
If the symptoms do not improve after treatment, the doctor will likely remove some of the infected skin and send it off to the laboratory to be tested.
Prevention
If ringworm is a problem in your household, the following tips can help you prevent it:
- A vet should treat an infection if a pet is responsible.
- Everybody should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap.
- Ringworm is a serious condition that affects all members of the household.
- It is not a good idea to share hairbrushes, combs, clothes, bedding, towels or footwear with others.
- Ringworm sufferers should avoid scratching the affected areas. This increases the chance of spreading the disease.
- It is best to avoid wearing bare feet when walking around the house.
- You should wash your clothes in hot water and use fungicidal soap.
It is possible to reduce your risk by keeping cool and wearing loose clothes.
