Since it can be confused with other types of rashes and skin conditions, diagnostic testing is recommended. The infection often looks like a circular, scaly rash. If required, they can often be cleared more quickly with treatment.
Ringworm is contagious and extremely common. Ringworm has different names based on where it appears on your body — and it can appear just about anywhere. This type of ringworm affects your arms, legs, torso and face.
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- Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months.
- (It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungal germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair.
- Ringworm has different names based on where it appears on your body — and it can appear just about anywhere.
- In most cases, ringworm develops into a rounded, red, inflamed patch of skin.
- The same fungi that cause ringworm can cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and nail infections.
- Tinea pedis infections are often endemic in heavy industries and can result in loss of work and complications due to secondary infection.
- Globally, fungal skin infections are estimated to affect more than 650 million people at any time and of these, ringworm accounts for over half the cases (1).
There is a spreading outbreak of extensive and drug-resistant ringworm in many countries Symptoms of ringworm include itching, redness, and a characteristic ring-shaped rash. Contact a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis.
In addition to medication, keeping the affected area clean and dry can help promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. Tinea pedis infections are often endemic in heavy industries and can result in loss of work and complications due to secondary infection. Tinea is one of the commonest dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin disease in developing countries.
Home remedies for ringworm
Your home may require treatment as well. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties but its effects aren’t well-known. You also need to take a prescribed oral antifungal medication. Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm. Ringworm on your body is called tinea corporis.
Ringworm treatment
- Ringworm is a common fungal infection.
- It can live on your skin, on surfaces and in soil.
- Most commonly, treatment involves applying salicylic acid or freezing with liquid nitrogen or a cold spray.
- Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading.
- This leaflet just deals with ringworm of the skin (sometimes called tinea corporis).
- If you suspect you or your child has ringworm, don’t use anti-itch creams containing corticosteroids.
Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal betsomnia casino creams, gels or powders typically work well. You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone else’s skin. This common and contagious skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque (a type of scaly rash).
What cures ringworm?
Ringworm is often described by the site of the body affected. Ringworm is characterized by the part of the body affected. Infections are difficult to treat, and some strains are antimicrobial-resistant. Ringworm spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surface. Ringworm can appear on different parts of the body including the scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and groin (jock itch).
Many of these cases are resistant to the common antifungal medications, posing an increasing public health problem. Ask your provider about how you can keep ringworm from spreading to other parts of your body and to other people. Ringworm can be unpleasant, but antifungal medications will help you get rid of the fungus that causes ringworm.
You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. This might be tablets, cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is. The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. Diagnostic testing, appropriate prescribing, and patient education helps preserve the limited antifungal medication options. Antimicrobial-resistant ringworm is emerging and is a current public health concern. On examination, ringworm may be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.
Is is necessary to contact a doctor for ringworm?
A weak immune system or living in a damp, warm climate increases your risk of a fungal infection. They can allow the infection to spread and cover larger sections of skin. These creams weaken your skin’s defenses. If you suspect you or your child has ringworm, don’t use anti-itch creams containing corticosteroids.
Management and Treatment
It is typically treated with antifungal medications applied directly to the skin, but oral medications may be necessary for severe or widespread infections. For example, corticosteroid creams can be important for treatment of many skin infections. Sometimes fungal skin infections and symptoms of ringworm look similar to other skin rashes, such as psoriasis, discoid eczema or granuloma annulare. Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication. Globally, fungal skin infections are estimated to affect more than 650 million people at any time and of these, ringworm accounts for over half the cases (1). Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a common fungal infection of the skin.
Ringworm, a fungal infection, usually causes a ring-shaped rash. People with diabetes are at increased risk for fungal nail infections. Infections on the foot or between toes are common with nail infections. Try not to scratch the rash, as this may spread the fungus to other areas of the body. The most common symptom of ringworm is the emergence of a small area of infected skin that tends to spread outwards.