Everything you need to know about Ringworms

Causes of Ringworms

Ringworms thrive in damp and moist areas of the body. So the most common places to find them are the groin area and in between toes. The specific group of fungi responsible for ringworm are called dermatophytes. They live on keratin, a protein that is easily available in the body that helps make up hair, skin, and nails.

Ringworm is a highly contagious infection with multiple sources. Some of the ways one can catch this infection are:

• Skin contact from an already infected person.
• Caring for an infected animal. Note that cattle are more likely to have it.
• Sharing personal grooming items with an infected person, such as combs and towels. Even sharing clothes may spread it.
• Playing with toys that an infected child has played with.
• Contact with surfaces that have been contaminated, like changing rooms, gyms, yoga mats, swimming pools, sofas etc.

You have an idea of what ringworm is and how it is caused , but how do you treat this condition? We explore some treatment options below.

How to Treat Ringworm

Usually, you can use an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication that comes in the form of creams, powders, ointment, sprays, soaps and gels. See your dermatologist for the right solution or ask the pharmacist for a recommendation.

Some of the common medications used are:

• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine
• Tolnaftate

People Prone to Ringworms

Certain people are more prone to getting ringworm infections. This could be due to age, genetics or lifestyle choices. They are:

• People below the age of 15.
• People with weakened immune systems/ those using medications that lower immune function.
• Anyone living in warm, humid areas.
• People living with or caring for animals.
• People that wear tight clothing.
• People who play sports.

How to Identify Ringworm

Ringworm may look different depending on where the infection is. Therefore, the best way to know if you have a ringworm infection is to have a professional diagnosis. For this, a doctor will scrape a small part of the area and observe it under a microscope.Though it is easy to self-diagnose this, it is best to reach out to a professional.

Symptoms of Ringworms

Most ringworm infections have a round patch of tender, pink skin with scaley borders. The symptoms may differ based on location.

• • Feet

• • • Itching and burning between the toes along with skin peeling.
    • Blisters
    • The skin between the toes may turn soft and white.
    • Foul odor

  • Hands

• • • Dry skin spread through the palms
    • Deep cracks
    • Ring-shaped patches

  • Nails

• • • Thickening nail
    • Discoloration
    • It May feel like it is crumbling
    • May lift from the nailbed

  • Scalp

• • • Scaly patches accompanied by hair loss .
    • May itch and feel like dandruff but will have black dots in the area.
    • May also ooze pus.

  • Groin Area

• • • Itchy, red rash that may be closer to a skin fold.
    • May flake and peel.

  • Beard

• • Bumps with pus that may look like acne
  • Hair loss
  • Swelling and redness
  • Crusted skin

Types of Ringworm

The form of ringworm depends on the location and symptoms. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Ringworm of the scalp: Mostly occurring in children of the ages 3 to 9, this type of ringworm causes patches of hair loss. It spreads easily from pillows, combs and hats.
• Ringworm of the beard (aka Barber’s Itch): This affects the face and neck of bearded people. This may sometimes call the lymph nodes to swell up.
• Ringworm of the body: When infection occurs on non-hairy parts of the body. This has the classic round shape and can happen to people of all ages.
• Ringworm of the groin (aka Jock Itch): This affects people wearing tight-fitting underwear. It usually occurs among young men.
• Ringworm of the foot (aka Athlete’s Foot): Considered as the second most common type, this may occur among people who walk barefoot in gyms/pools.

Skincare Tips for Ringworm Infections

Along with medication, it is important to care for your skin when dealing with ringworm infection. In doing so, you also prevent the chances of recurrence. Below are some tips that are sure to help you:

• Wash the area gently and dry it completely before applying medication.
• Make sure to wash clothes or objects that come in contact with the infected area thoroughly in medicated/fungicidal soap.
• Never let the infected area be damp.
• Use a cold press to ease the itching.
• Avoid moving around barefoot and sharing items.
• Avoid scratching the infected area as it may help spread more.
• Wear cotton and absorbent materials as much as possible.
• Be sure to bathe immediately after exercising.
• Follow the dosage as prescribed and do not stop taking the medication on your own. Sometimes, the infection may come back if you haven’t properly completed the course.
• Avoid touching animals that look like they have patchy or infected skin, and always wash your hands after touching any animal.
• If your infection doesn’t seem to respond to treatment, reach out to a dermatologist immediately.

Conclusion

Though it is a common ailment, ringworms can be extremely uncomfortable and spread over the body. Therefore, you must get the infection treated as soon as you spot symptoms.

The best way to prevent reinfection and ensure that it completely heals is to reach out to a dermatologist to help you with treatment options specific to your skin type. This way, you know you can expect effective results!