Symptoms
Ringworm usually doesn't get better on its own, so the symptoms are likely to worsen if it goes untreated. Areas of hair loss on the scalp or beard can become larger, for example. Untreated ringworm can also cause skin to blister and crack, leaving it open to bacterial infection.
Causes
The most common types of ringworm include the following:
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This common condition mostly affects teen and adult males. ...
- Jock itch (tinea cruris). Ringworm may be hard to cure. ...
- Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. ...
- Nail infection (tinea unguium). ...
- Body ringworm (tinea corporis). ...
Prevention
Natural Remedies For Ringworm
- Sunshine and Fresh Air. To help eradicate the fungus responsible for ringworm infections sunshine and fresh air will be two of your best allies.
- Using fresh Papaya. ...
- Reach for Mustard Seeds in your Spice Cabinet. ...
- Treat Ringworm With Iodine. ...
- Basil and Cassia Leaves. ...
- Milk of Magnesia. ...
- Epsom Salts. ...
- Crushed Butea Seeds. ...
- Castor Oil. ...
Complications
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated? Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
What happens if ringworm is untreated?
What are the long term effects of ringworm?
What are some natural remedies for ringworm?
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated?
How do you get rid of ringworm quickly?
Ringworm is treated with antifungal medicines that you either rub on the skin or take by mouth. Ringworm of the scalp is treated with a special shampoo and an oral antifungal medicine. You may have to keep using whatever medicine you're prescribed for several weeks to fully get rid of the infection.
What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?
Symptoms of Ringworm InfectionsItchy skin.Ring-shaped rash.Red, scaly, cracked skin.Hair loss.
What is the best cream for ringworm?
Apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream or ointment such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or terbinafine (Lamisil AT) as directed on the packaging.
Where do ringworms come from?
People can get ringworm after touching an animal that has ringworm. Many different kinds of animals can spread ringworm to people, including dogs and cats, especially kittens and puppies. Other animals, like cows, goats, pigs, and horses can also spread ringworm to people.
How to prevent ringworm?
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm: 1 Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell your children about ringworm, what to watch for and how to avoid infection. 2 Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep shared areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, shower right after practice or a match and keep your uniform and gear clean. 3 Stay cool and dry. Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating. 4 Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to check them for ringworm. 5 Don't share personal items. Don't let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports gear or other personal items. And don't borrow such things.
Why do rings start small?
The rings usually start small and then expand outward. Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually a red, itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved.
Can ringworm be spread by touching?
Object to human. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
Is ringworm contagious?
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm: Educate yourself and others.
Can a fungal infection spread to the skin?
A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. But people with weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.
Is ringworm a fungal infection?
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:
How to treat ringworm?
Body and groin — tinea corporis and cruris (“jock itch”) treatment includes: Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products. For tinea cruris: Keep the groin area clean and dry and wear cotton underwear. Extensive or recurrent infections may require systemic antifungal therapy.
Why is ringworm called ringworm?
The condition called “ ringworm ” because it can cause a circular rash shaped like a ring. There is no worm involved. Ringworm is named based on where it affects the body:
How long does it take for ringworm to appear?
Ringworm affects the skin, fingernails, and toenails. Symptoms of ringworm appear within 4 days to 2 weeks after coming into contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. Symptoms of ringworm include: Ring-shaped rash. Skin redness.
How to treat ringworm on scalp?
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. Creams, lotions, or powders don’t work for ringworm on the scalp. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm on the scalp include:#N#Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)#N#Terbinafine#N#Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)#N#Fluconazole (Diflucan) 1 Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG) 2 Terbinafine 3 Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox) 4 Fluconazole (Diflucan)
How long does ringworm last on the scalp?
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
Does ringworm go away?
Your infection gets worse or doesn’t go away after using non-prescription medications. You or your child has ringworm on the scalp. Ringworm on the scalp needs to be treated with prescription antifungal medication.
Why do athletes get ringworm?
Athletes tend to get ringworm because they often have sweaty bodies and may have close physical contact with other athletes. Two types of ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch, are especially common in athletes. You don’t have to be an athlete, however, to get ringworm.
What is ringworm in pets?
Having skin-to-skin contact with someone who has it. Petting an animal like a dog, cat, or farm animal infected with ringworm. Using an infected object like a phone, comb, or towel. The fungi that cause ringworm can live on any infected object, including clothing, brushes, and sports equipment for a long time.
What causes ringworms?
Causes of ringworm. Three different types of fungi can cause ringworm: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epi dermophyton. It’s possible that these fungi may live for an extended period as spores in soil. Humans and animals can contract ringworm after direct contact with this soil.
How to treat ringworm on skin?
Tea tree oil is another oil that is believed to have antifungal properties. For ringworm, you can apply it to an affected area of skin at least three times a day. If you find that tea tree oil is too irritating, mix the oil in coconut oil to dilute it.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
Skin medications may clear ringworm on your trunk and limbs in 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re experiencing severe dermatophytosis that isn’t responding to OTC treatments or treatment at home, or you suspect tinea infection of the scalp or hair follicles, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills to clear up the infection.
What is ringworm in humans?
Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), although it can sometimes be used to describe tinea infection in other locations, such as tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin). Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. The infection initially appears as red patches on affected areas ...
What is ringworm?
Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin. “Ringworm” is a misnomer, since a fungus, not a worm, causes the infection. The lesion caused by this infection resembles a worm in the shape of a ring — hence the name. Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis ...
What is the name of the ringworm that is found on the inside of the body?
Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) often appears as patches with the characteristic round ring shape. Jock itch (tinea cruris) refers to ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the common name for ringworm infection of the foot.
How does ringworm spread?
The infection can also spread through contact with infected animals or humans. The infection is commonly spread among children and by sharing items harboring the fungus. Different types of fungi cause ringworm. Doctors call ringworm different names depending on where it affects the body:
What is the medical term for ringworm?
Ringworm goes by many names. The medical terms are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.”.
Why is my ring worm rash red?
Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy . Anyone can get ringworm. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.
What is the best treatment for ringworm?
Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by ...
How to treat ringworm rash?
Early intervention is critical to prevent spreading the infection to others. Here are six simple ways to treat ringworm. 1. Apply a topical antifungal. Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Over-the-counter antifungals can kill ...
What is ringworm on the scalp?
Sometimes, ringworm develops on the scalp. Symptoms of a scalp infection include severe itching, patches of hair loss, scalp boils, and severe dandruff. If you have ringworm on your scalp, wash your hair with an over-the-counter medicated antifungal shampoo.
How long does it take for ringworm to go away?
See a doctor if the rash doesn’t go away after two weeks of home treatment. A ringworm infection that doesn’t improve or that spreads may require a prescription-strength topical cream or oral antifungal medication. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor or see a dermatologist.
How to treat a rash after cleaning?
After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package. Spread the treatment beyond the border of the rash by a couple of centimeters and allow the medication to absorb into your skin. Shop for the following products online:
How to stop ringworm from spreading?
2. Let it breathe. It may seem logical to keep ringworm covered with a bandage to prevent spreading the infection. However, bandaging the rash locks in moisture and slows the healing process. Instead, wear comfortable, breathable clothes to speed healing and avoid spreading the rash to other people.
How to get rid of fungus in clothes?
Hot water alone can kill the fungus. As an extra precaution, add borax or bleach to your wash along with regular laundry detergent.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
- Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved. Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)...
Prevention
- Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include: 1. A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs 2. Itchiness 3. A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin 4. Slightly raised, expanding rings 5. A round, flat patch of itchy skin 6. …