Ringworm: Skin infection caused by mold-like fungi, live on dead skin.
What Are Ringworm Symptoms?
A red, scaly patch on light skin or dark or grey spots on skin of color are the telltale signs. Additionally, itchy pimples could appear. The lump develops into a ring- or circle-shaped patch over time. It might split into several rings. Typically, the patch’s interior is transparent or scaly. The exterior may have some elevated and uneven areas.
On your scalp, ringworm frequently begins as a lump or tiny sore. Your scalp may become tender and painful to the touch, and it may start to become flaky and scaly. It’s possible that you’ll start to see patches of hair loss.
How Does Ringworm Spread?
The ringworm virus spreads quickly. Any one of the following methods will work to catch it:
- From someone else: Skin-to-skin contact is frequently how ringworm spreads.
- From the animals: Grooming or rubbing Sparky? When you’re done, wash your hands. It occurs frequently in cows as well.
- By interacting with objects: The fungus that causes ringworm can linger on items, clothing, towels, and even in combs and brushes.
- Out of soil: If you work or stand barefoot in dirt that contains the fungus that causes ringworm, you could get it.
How can I determine if I have ringworm?
You must see a doctor to confirm whether the condition is ringworm. It is similar to other skin conditions.
Your doctor will probably scrape the scaly, itchy areas off so they can inspect them under a microscope.
What Is the Treatment?
The type of treatment depends on the illness’s location and severity. Frequently, your doctor will recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that you can buy at the pharmacy.
If the ringworm is on your skin, an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, or powder might work. The most widely used ones include miconazole and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex).
In order to ensure that the fungus that causes is killed, you often need to apply the medications to your skin for 2 to 4 weeks. It will also lessen the likelihood that it may return.
If you have ringworm on your scalp or in other areas of your body, OTC medicines most likely won’t be effective. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor.
Watch for symptoms that worsen or don’t go away after two weeks. If not, contact your physician.
How Might I Avoid?
It is caused by fungus, which are widespread. However, there are certain steps you may take to lessen your risk of contracting or stop it from spreading:
- Dry and keep your skin clean.
- Wear flip-flops in public restrooms and showers.
- You should switch out your trousers and socks at least once a day.
- Avoid sharing towels or clothing with someone who has ringworm.
- If you play sports, keep your uniform and gear immaculate and refrain from lending them to other athletes.
- After playing with pets, wash your hands with soap and water. If your dogs have ringworm, go to the vet.
How can doctors of dermatology identify?
Frequently, a dermatologist may identify ringworm simply by examining the diseased region.
Other bodily parts may also be examined by your dermatologist. Athlete’s foot and ringworm are frequently present on one or both hands. The infection can occasionally spread to one or more nails.
Your dermatologist could send a small sample of the infected skin, hair, or nail to a lab before making the diagnosis.
Getting a sample is simple. Your dermatologist will scrape off a small portion of the diseased skin if they suspect you of having ringworm on your skin.
If it looks that you have ringworm on your scalp or beard area, your dermatologist may decide to shave some of your hair. To check for ringworm, your dermatologist will clip off a little section of the nail and scrape some dirt from underneath the nail.
By looking at the sample under a microscope, a doctor can evaluate whether it includes any of the fungus that cause ringworm.
Exactly how do dermatologists handle ringworm?
Your dermatologist will prescribe antifungal medication to cure your ringworm. There are several different dosage forms for this drug, including pills, lotions, and ointments. What you use will depend on the area of the body that has to be treated.
Skin
Antifungal creams or lotions are routinely used to treat ringworm on the skin. The majority of these drugs need to be applied twice daily for two to four weeks. For young patients, several of these approved drugs are both efficient and secure.
It may be necessary to take a prescription antifungal medication if the ringworm affects a significant portion of your skin.
As the ringworm starts to clean up, the scale will likely go away before the redness.
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot can be cured using over-the-counter antifungal cream or spray. In most cases, a moderate case resolves in two weeks.
If the athlete’s foot is more severe or does not go away in two weeks, a dermatologist might recommend a stronger medicine.
Jock itch
Your dermatologist might suggest an over-the-counter antifungal cream, spray, or powder to treat this kind of ringworm. The antifungal is normally applied twice daily for 10 to 14 days.
To soothe the itching, it frequently helps to apply a wet, cool washcloth to the area for 20 to 30 minutes. It could be essential to apply cool compresses two to six times per day.
Use a clean washcloth each time and solely on the jock itch when cleaning the diseased region or using a cool compress. You should wash the washcloth in hot, sudsy water to kill the fungus before using it again. Ringworm has a lengthy lifespan on surfaces.
Inform your dermatologist if at-home treatment for jock itch doesn’t work. You could require stronger medication.
Scalp
Ringworm on the scalp requires prescription medication.
A medication called griseofulvin is frequently prescribed to kids with scalp ringworm. Your dermatologist might recommend the liquid, tablets, or capsules. Other prescription drugs are occasionally prescribed.
An antifungal medicine needs to be taken as prescribed, for the full amount of time.
The may not go away if you stop taking it early than advised. This may make treating the ringworm more difficult.
To get rid of scalp ringworm, antifungal shampoo is commonly required. In fact, everyone who lives with the ill individual needs to use an antifungal shampoo.
Ringworm on the scalp spreads quickly. Everyone in the household should use antifungal shampoo to help stop cross-infection.
Hands
With an antifungal treatment, you might be able to get rid of a little case. It is frequently required to use stronger antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole.
You’ll need to take an antifungal medication to treat the condition if the ringworm has reached a fingernail.
Nails
You need prescription medication to get rid of ringworm on the nails. Because nails grow slowly, it will take some time for them go. Attending every follow-up consultation with your dermatologist is very important.
You might also need to take steps to avoid reinfection.
Beard
Ringworm in the beard region needs a customised treatment approach and prescription antifungal drugs.
Your dermatologist might need to remove any unhealthy tissue in order to speed up the healing process. Additionally, it is necessary to shave the damaged hair.
