My Skin, My Health

December 17, 2022

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RINGWORM (A fungal infection that affects the skin and its surfaces)

Ringworm also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea is a fungal skin infection. The lesion caused by this infection resembles a worm in the shape of a ring, which is why it got its name.

Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) or tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). It’s sometimes used to describe tinea infection in other locations, such as tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin). The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding. This infection can affect both humans and animals, it initially appears as discolored, often scaly patches on affected areas appearing red on lighter skin or brown-gray on darker skin.

Ringworm may spread from an affected area to other parts of the body, such as the scalp, feet, hands, nails, groin, and beard.

Stages of Ringworm

It can take up to 2 weeks before one starts to notice symptoms of ringworm. Some of the stages include:

Initial stage: During this stage, you may notice a discolored, irritated patch of skin. Sometimes, it just appears very dry and scaly, not necessarily like ringworm.

Second stage: During this stage, you’ll notice the lesion starts to grow in size. The center of the rash may resemble healthy skin with a surrounding scaly area.

Because ringworm is so contagious, you have to start treatment at the first signs of it to prevent the spread and growth.

Symptoms of Ringworm Infections

Itchy skin
Ring-shaped rash
Red, scaly, cracked skin
Hair loss
patches that develop blisters or pustules
patches that resemble a ring with deeper color on the outside
patches with edges that are defined and raised

Causes of Ringworm

About 40 different species of fungus can cause ringworm. They are typically of the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton types. These fungi can live on your skin and other surfaces, particularly damp areas. They may also live for an extended period of time as spores in soil.

The fungi can spread to humans in four ways:

Human to human: You can get the infection if you come in contact with a person who has ringworm or if you share personal items, such as combs or towels.

Animal to human: You can get ringworm after touching an affected animal or even items the animal has come in contact with. Cats and dogs are common sources, but other animals, such as farm animals, can spread the fungi as well.

Object to human: You may get the infection if you come in contact with an object or surface that has it, such as a telephone or the floor of a public shower.

Soil to human: Humans and animals can get ringworm after direct contact with soil that is carrying the fungi.

Risk factors of Ringworm

You may be at risk if you:

live in a warm, humid environment or climate
participate in contact sports, like wrestling or football
use public showers or locker rooms
come in close contact with animals
wear tight shoes or clothes that chafe your skin
have diabetes
have obesity or are overweight
sweat excessively
have a weakened immune system

Diagnosis

Your doctor might be able to diagnose ringworm simply by looking at it. Your doctor may take skin scrapings from the affected area so that they can be examined under a microscope.

If you’re getting a skin biopsy or fungal culture, your doctor will take a sample of your skin or discharge from a blister and send it to a lab to test for the presence of fungus.

Signs to be aware of in pets include:

hairless patches of skin that appear circular
crusty or scaly patches
patches that may not be completely hairless but have brittle or broken hairs
opaque or whitish areas around the claws

If you suspect your pet has ringworm, bring them to your veterinarian for an examination.

Ringworm treatment

Topical antifungal medications;

creams
ointments
gels
sprays
Some severe cases may be treated with oral medications.

They should be used as directed on the packaging.

Lifestyle and home remedies

keep the affected area clean and dry
washing bedding and clothing daily to help disinfect your surroundings
drying your skin thoroughly after bathing
wearing loose clothing in affected areas
treating all affected areas, as not treating tinea pedis can lead to the recurrence of tinea cruris
Apple cider vinegar: Some people apply cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar over affected areas of skin three times a day to treat ringworm.
Coconut oil: People apply coconut oil to their skin to reduce the incidence of ringworm infections. If you want to try this remedy, apply coconut oil one to three times a day.
Turmeric: You can mix turmeric, a common spice, with water to make an antifungal paste. Apply the paste directly to your skin and allow it to dry.

Home remedies shouldn’t be used in place of known antifungal treatments. Instead, discuss any you might like to try alongside proven treatments with your doctor.