Ringworm is a common skin infection. It can last up to four weeks with treatment. While it’s especially prevalent in places with poor sanitation, ringworm occurs in every part of the world.
Another name for this disease is tinea, and it affects many different body parts. It can spread out across the body and the scalp, and it can affect men’s facial hair as well. In cases when the disease spreads to the feet, it’s referred to as athlete’s foot. Tinea of the crotch is called jock itch.
The symptoms of ringworm vary, depending on where the infection sets in. Some of the most frequent symptoms to look for are:
- Red, ring-shaped marks and cracks on the skin
- Scaly skin
- Oozing blisters
- A strong itch
- Hair loss on the scalp or the beard
- Thickened, discolored nails
But how do you get ringworm? Let’s take a quick look at the causes of the disease.
Ringworm Causes
Because of the name and the characteristic look, it’s easy to assume that ringworm is caused by a worm. But it only got its name because it tends to leave raised, thin marks on the skin.
This infection actually comes from a fungus. You probably know that fungus grows especially quickly in warm, damp conditions. It’s important to keep this in mind when it comes to prevention.
Wearing tight clothing can make the infection spread more easily. In general, having good hygiene is the best way to avoid contracting the disease.
There are four ways you can get ringworm:
1. From Humans
Ringworm spreads easily through human-to-human contact. Touching the skin of an infected person puts you at serious risk.
Outbreaks are frequent in schools and other institutions where people come into frequent contact with each other. Athletes involved in close-contact sports are particularly prone to catching this disease. For example, ringworm is widespread among wrestlers.
2. From Objects
In addition to direct contact, the fungus can spread through shared clothing and towels. It’s also dangerous to use shared footwear in pools or spas. Ringworm of the scalp can come from shared brushes as well as hats or accessories. Shared sports equipment is another possible source of danger.
It’s important to note that ringworm can also spread through shared furniture, toilets, or bedclothes. If someone in your household has this infection, you have to take extra precautions.
3. From Animals
This fungus can affect pets, livestock, birds, and some other animal species. When animals get infected, the fungus manifests similarly as in humans. They develop an itch and may lose their fur in patches.
Direct contact with an infected mammal or bird is a common risk factor. Dog and cat owners are likelier than average to get ringworm. The infection is especially prevalent among people who work with cows or sheep.
4. From the Environment
How do you get ringworm from your environment? Standing barefoot on the floor of public spaces (such as saunas or public pools) is a risk factor. It’s best to wear sandals when using your own shower stall. Ringworm also survives in the soil, so walking outside barefoot can be risky, too.
What Can You Do to Prevent It?
Preventing ringworm isn’t too difficult in most cases. The key is to maintain good hygiene and remain careful in case of contact with infected people.
Wash your hands often, especially after using a public toilet. It can also help to shower and change clothes after returning from the gym. Wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing is a good way to keep the fungus from spreading.
Cats, dogs, gerbils, and other pets are all likely to spread ringworm. If you have children, make sure they understand the importance of washing their hands after playing with animals.
Hygiene in the home is extremely important. Wash every surface thoroughly, especially in the bathroom. You should also regularly clean any areas frequented by your pets.
But the most important precaution is to avoid sharing clothes and personal items. When people live in cramped spaces with insufficient resources, ringworm infections become hard to eradicate.
How Do You Get Ringworm Diagnosed?
If you suspect you have contracted tinea, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. This infection is treatable but it requires medication. Never wait for ringworm to recede on its own. There’s no need to live with the painful symptoms any longer than necessary.
What can you expect from a doctor’s examination?
- In some cases, it’s enough for your dermatologist to simply look at the surface of the skin. But they may need to use other methods to locate the fungus.
- This fungus glows under a black light, so that is one of the most common diagnostic tools for ringworm.
- KOH exams are another effective option. To complete this test, it’s necessary to scrape cells off the surface of the infected area. The sample is then placed in potassium hydroxide.
- Sometimes, it’s important to complete more thorough laboratory analyses. Your doctor may take a skin sample, or they might sample the discharge from blisters instead.
What Happens Next?
After you are diagnosed, your doctor will recommend treatment. For most people, over-the-counter medications are sufficient. These are usually topical creams you apply to the affected area. Powders and lotions are common as well.
In more severe cases, prescription medication is necessary. Your doctor may prescribe Terbinafine, Griseofulvin, or another oral drug. Unfortunately, these may come with severe and unpleasant side effects. Nausea, headaches, and indigestion are common, so you should talk to your doctor if you’re worried about anything you’re experiencing.
In your home, it becomes particularly important to clear everything. Always put on clean clothes and footwear, and make sure to wash your towels, pillows, and sheets.
A Note on Infected Pets
If you suspect your pets have contracted this infection, take them to a vet immediately. Treating this problem in animals isn’t too different than treating it in humans.
A Final Thought
You should keep in mind that people with weak immune systems are especially likely to get ringworm. If you suspect you’re infected, avoid coming into contact with people with autoimmune diseases, as well as young children or the elderly.
References:
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/ringworm/en
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/symptoms.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/risk-prevention.html
http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/dermatophytosis_F.pdf
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