By the end of this guide, you will learn how to rid yourself of ringworm. If you’re not sure if you have a ringworm infection, check out our other guide: How to identify a ringworm infection.
First, consult your doctor and make sure that the infection is really ringworm. There are several diseases that might look similar to it.
If you’re sure you have ringworm, there are several ways to get rid of it:
1. Antifungal creams work in about 2 weeks for most people.
2. Antifungal pills work in about 3-4 days for most people.
3. Home remedies (e.g., bleach baths) are also effective for some people, but might take longer than medical treatments.
Ringworm, like most other skin conditions, can occur to anyone at any time. It is a fungal infection which is quite contagious and spreads through contact with an infected person or pet. It is often accompanied by itchiness so it can cause a lot of discomfort to the patient.
Ringworm infections usually occur in patches on the skin. They are round in shape and are reddish in color with a white or silver ring-like structure around them. It is because of this ring-like structure that the infection is called ‘ringworm’. It is not actually caused by worms but fungi which thrive in warm and moist environments.
It normally affects areas such as the scalp, feet, groin and nails but can also occur on other parts of the body.
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus. The name comes from the red, ring-shaped sores that can form, but not all people get rings. Other symptoms include itching, scaling of the skin, and inflammation.
The fungus that causes ringworm grows best in warm, moist areas of the body. These areas may include your feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), and scalp (scalp ringworm). Because it is highly contagious, ringworm is often spread in locker rooms, by sharing clothing or towels with an infected person, or by touching an infected pet.
People who have weakened immune systems are more susceptible to getting ringworm of the scalp and beard. Symptoms include patches of scaling on the scalp and loss of hair in those areas that may result in baldness if not treated.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you have ringworm on your scalp because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. If you suspect you have ringworm on your scalp, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a skin infection caused by fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. It is also known as tinea or dermatophytosis. Ringworm infections are very common in young children. No one knows exactly how many people get ringworm every year, but it’s known to affect millions of people around the world. In the United States, ringworm is more common in warm climates and during the summer months when children spend more time barefoot on the ground and wearing less clothing.
Causes of Ringworm
Fungi that cause ringworm can be passed from person to person or from an infected animal. They can also live on surfaces like shower stalls and locker room benches, or on clothes that are made of wool or synthetic fibers. You may get ringworm if you have contact with someone who has it (directly or indirectly), if you come in contact with a contaminated object or surface, or if you touch an infected animal.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Signs and symptoms of ringworm vary depending on where the infection occurs on your body:
● Scalp: red patches with scale-like flaking and areas without hair (bald spots)
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Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes skin to become red, scaly and itchy. It is called ringworm because it often causes a round, ring-like rash. The name is misleading, however, because a worm isn’t responsible for the infection; rather, it’s a fungus that causes the condition.
During an outbreak of ringworm, your skin may become red and scaly. It also may feel itchy and inflamed. If you touch it, the rash might spread out farther. When the rash spreads, you may notice that the area of redness has a ring shape with clear skin in the middle. This is why the rash has been given its name: “ring” for its shape and “worm” for its cause. Although the rash may resemble other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it’s important to note that ringworm is caused by a fungus rather than an allergic reaction or dry skin.
Ringworm is a common fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.
Ringworm, also known as tinea, is not caused by worms. It gets its name from the ring-like rash that develops. The skin can be infected with ringworm anywhere on the body.
The rash is usually scaly, red or silvery and may have raised edges that look like worms underneath the skin. Ringworm often itches and sometimes causes an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Some forms of ringworm can cause only mild symptoms while others are more serious infections that require medical attention.
Unlike most other types of fungal infections, ringworm occurs on the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis) instead of deeper layers. This makes it easier to treat than other fungal infections such as yeast infections and athlete’s foot.
You’ve probably seen it: a red, circular rash with a ring of rash that looks as though it could be crawling through your skin. It may or may not itch, but you’d think that from the name. Ringworm is not caused by worms. It is a fungal infection of the skin. The medical name for it is Tinea corporis, and the fungi are called Dermatophytes.
Ringworm has nothing to do with worms, but it does spread easily from one person to another and from animals to people.