What are the key symptoms of ringworm. How does ringworm spread between people and animals. What are the most effective treatments for ringworm infections. How can you prevent ringworm outbreaks. What are the differences between ringworm on the body, scalp, and feet.

What Is Ringworm and How Does It Manifest?

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection. This skin condition, medically known as tinea, is caused by moldlike fungi that thrive on dead tissues of skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, and manifests differently depending on the location.

The characteristic sign of ringworm is a red, scaly patch on light skin or brown to gray patches on darker skin tones. As the infection progresses, it often develops into a distinctive ring-shaped lesion, giving the condition its common name. The center of the ring may appear clearer or scaly, while the outer edge can be slightly raised and bumpy.

Common Forms of Ringworm

• Body ringworm (tinea corporis): Affects the skin on the body
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): Infects the scalp and hair
• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): Ringworm of the feet
• Jock itch (tinea cruris): Ringworm in the groin area

Identifying Ringworm Symptoms: From Early Signs to Advanced Stages

Recognizing the symptoms of ringworm early can lead to faster treatment and prevent spread. The symptoms can vary depending on the location of the infection, but some common signs include:

• Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister or ooze
• Ring-shaped rashes with red, scaly, cracked, or raised borders
• Patches that expand over time
• Hair loss in circular patches (in scalp ringworm)
• Discoloration or thickening of the nails (in nail ringworm)

Scalp ringworm often begins as a small bump or sore that may become flaky and scaly. The affected area can feel tender and sore to the touch, and hair loss in patches is common. Body ringworm typically starts as a circular patch that expands outward, creating the characteristic ring shape.

The Contagious Nature of Ringworm: Understanding Transmission

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through various means. Understanding how it transmits can help in prevention efforts.

How Does Ringworm Spread?

1. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal
2. Contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, towels, or combs
3. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil or surfaces
4. Close contact with infected pets, particularly cats and dogs

The fungus responsible for ringworm can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making indirect transmission through objects a significant risk factor. This persistence underscores the importance of proper hygiene and sanitization in preventing outbreaks.

Diagnosing Ringworm: When to Seek Medical Attention

While some cases of ringworm can be self-diagnosed, a definitive diagnosis often requires professional medical evaluation. Doctors typically employ several methods to confirm a ringworm infection:

• Visual examination of the affected area
• Skin scraping for microscopic analysis
• Wood’s lamp examination (for certain types of ringworm)
• Fungal culture in more complex cases

Is it possible to confuse ringworm with other skin conditions? Yes, several skin conditions can mimic the appearance of ringworm, including eczema, psoriasis, and other fungal infections. Therefore, professional diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment, especially if over-the-counter treatments prove ineffective or if the infection is widespread or on the scalp.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Ringworm Infections

The treatment for ringworm varies depending on the severity and location of the infection. In many cases, over-the-counter antifungal medications are sufficient, but more severe or persistent cases may require prescription-strength treatments.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

• Antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole)
• Antifungal powders
• Antifungal sprays

These topical treatments are typically effective for mild to moderate cases of body ringworm. They should be applied as directed, usually for 2 to 4 weeks, to ensure complete eradication of the fungus.

Prescription Treatments

• Oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole)
• Stronger topical antifungals
• Medicated shampoos for scalp ringworm

Prescription treatments are often necessary for scalp ringworm, widespread infections, or cases that don’t respond to over-the-counter remedies. These medications may need to be taken for several weeks to ensure complete resolution of the infection.

How long does it typically take for ringworm to clear up with proper treatment? Most cases of ringworm respond to treatment within 2 to 4 weeks. However, scalp ringworm and more severe infections may take longer to resolve completely. It’s crucial to continue treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Ringworm: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While the fungi that cause ringworm are ubiquitous, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection:

• Maintain good personal hygiene, keeping skin clean and dry
• Avoid sharing personal items like clothing, towels, or hairbrushes
• Wear shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
• Regularly wash and dry sports gear and uniforms
• Practice good pet hygiene and seek veterinary care for pets with suspected ringworm
• Change socks and underwear daily
• Keep nails short and clean

Can ringworm be prevented in high-risk environments like gyms or locker rooms? While complete prevention may be challenging in these settings, taking precautions such as wearing flip-flops in communal showers, using your own towels, and avoiding direct skin contact with potentially contaminated surfaces can significantly reduce your risk.

Ringworm in Pets: Recognizing and Managing Animal Infections

Pets, particularly cats and dogs, can be carriers of ringworm and can transmit the infection to humans. Recognizing ringworm in pets is crucial for both animal and human health.

Signs of Ringworm in Pets

• Circular areas of hair loss, particularly on the head, ears, or paws
• Scaly or crusty skin
• Redness or inflammation of the skin
• Excessive grooming or scratching of affected areas

If you suspect your pet has ringworm, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include topical or oral antifungal medications, medicated shampoos, and environmental decontamination.

How can pet owners prevent the spread of ringworm between animals and humans? Regular grooming, prompt veterinary care for suspected infections, and maintaining a clean living environment are key. Additionally, washing hands after handling pets, especially those with suspected infections, can help prevent transmission to humans.

Special Considerations: Ringworm in Children and Immunocompromised Individuals

Certain populations may be more susceptible to ringworm infections or may experience more severe symptoms. Children, particularly those in close-contact settings like schools or daycare centers, are at higher risk due to their developing immune systems and frequent physical contact with others.

Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may experience more extensive or treatment-resistant ringworm infections. In these cases, early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial.

Precautions for Vulnerable Populations

• Regular skin checks for early detection of infections
• Prompt treatment of any suspected ringworm
• Enhanced hygiene practices in schools and care facilities
• Close monitoring of pets for signs of infection
• Consultation with healthcare providers for personalized prevention strategies

Are there any long-term consequences of recurrent ringworm infections? While ringworm itself doesn’t typically cause long-term health issues, frequent infections can lead to skin damage, scarring, or secondary bacterial infections if left untreated. In rare cases, chronic scalp ringworm may result in permanent hair loss. Therefore, proper treatment and prevention are essential, especially for those prone to recurrent infections.

Ringworm, despite its name, is a common fungal infection that affects millions worldwide. By understanding its symptoms, transmission methods, and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent and manage infections effectively. Remember, while many cases can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, persistent or widespread infections warrant professional medical attention. With proper care and prevention strategies, the impact of ringworm can be minimized, allowing for healthier skin and improved quality of life.

Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is Ringworm?
• What Are the Symptoms Of Ringworm?
• How Do You Get Ringworm?
• How Do I Know If I Have Ringworm?
• What’s the Treatment For Ringworm?
• How Can I Prevent Ringworm?
• More

Ringworm isn’t a worm. It’s a skin infection that’s caused by moldlike fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. You can get it in any of these places — and on your scalp.

When you get it between your toes, it’s what people call athlete’s foot. If it spreads to your groin, it’s known as jock itch.

The telltale sign is a red, scaly patch on light skin or brown or gray patches on skin of color. You may also get bumps that itch. Over time, the bump turns into a ring- or circle-shaped patch. It may turn into several rings. The inside of the patch is usually clear or scaly. The outside might be slightly raised and bumpy.

Ringworm on your scalp tends to start out as a bump or small sore. It may turn flaky and scaly, and your scalp may feel tender and sore to the touch. You may notice that your hair starts to fall out in patches.

Ringworm is highly contagious. You can catch it in any of the following ways:

• From another person. Ringworm often spreads by skin-to-skin contact.
• From your pets. Rubbing or grooming Sparky? Wash your hands when you’re finished. It’s also very common in cows.
• By touching objects. The fungus that causes ringworm can linger on surfaces, clothes, towels, and in combs and brushes.
• From soil. If you’re working or standing barefoot in soil that’s infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, you can get it, too.

You’ll have to see your doctor to be sure if the infection is ringworm. There are a number of other skin conditions that look like it.

Your doctor will probably scrape some skin from the itchy, scaly areas and look at them under a microscope.

How the infection is treated depends on where it is and how bad it is. In many cases, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine you can get at the drugstore. If the ringworm is on your skin, an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder may work just fine. Some of the most popular ones are clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole.

In most cases, you’ll have to use the medicines on your skin for 2 to 4 weeks to make sure you kill the fungus that causes ringworm. It also will lower its chance of coming back.

If you have ringworm on your scalp or in many different places on your body, OTC treatments probably won’t be enough. Your doctor will have to write you a prescription.

Keep an eye out for symptoms that get worse or don’t clear up after 2 weeks. If they don’t, call your doctor.

The fungi that cause it are everywhere. Still, here are some things you can do to lower your chances of getting ringworm or stop it from spreading:

• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wear flip-flops in locker rooms and public showers.
• Change your socks and underwear at least once each day.
• Don’t share clothes or towels with someone who has ringworm.
• If you play sports, keep your gear and uniform clean — and don’t share them with other players.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after playing with pets. If your pets have ringworm, see your vet.

Top Picks

Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is Ringworm?
• What Are the Symptoms Of Ringworm?
• How Do You Get Ringworm?
• How Do I Know If I Have Ringworm?
• What’s the Treatment For Ringworm?
• How Can I Prevent Ringworm?
• More

Ringworm isn’t a worm. It’s a skin infection that’s caused by moldlike fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. You can get it in any of these places — and on your scalp.

When you get it between your toes, it’s what people call athlete’s foot. If it spreads to your groin, it’s known as jock itch.

The telltale sign is a red, scaly patch on light skin or brown or gray patches on skin of color. You may also get bumps that itch. Over time, the bump turns into a ring- or circle-shaped patch. It may turn into several rings. The inside of the patch is usually clear or scaly. The outside might be slightly raised and bumpy.

Ringworm on your scalp tends to start out as a bump or small sore. It may turn flaky and scaly, and your scalp may feel tender and sore to the touch. You may notice that your hair starts to fall out in patches.

Ringworm is highly contagious. You can catch it in any of the following ways:

• From another person. Ringworm often spreads by skin-to-skin contact.
• From your pets. Rubbing or grooming Sparky? Wash your hands when you’re finished. It’s also very common in cows.
• By touching objects. The fungus that causes ringworm can linger on surfaces, clothes, towels, and in combs and brushes.
• From soil. If you’re working or standing barefoot in soil that’s infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, you can get it, too.

You’ll have to see your doctor to be sure if the infection is ringworm. There are a number of other skin conditions that look like it.

Your doctor will probably scrape some skin from the itchy, scaly areas and look at them under a microscope.

How the infection is treated depends on where it is and how bad it is. In many cases, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine you can get at the drugstore. If the ringworm is on your skin, an OTC antifungal cream, lotion, or powder may work just fine. Some of the most popular ones are clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole.

In most cases, you’ll have to use the medicines on your skin for 2 to 4 weeks to make sure you kill the fungus that causes ringworm. It also will lower its chance of coming back.

If you have ringworm on your scalp or in many different places on your body, OTC treatments probably won’t be enough. Your doctor will have to write you a prescription.

Keep an eye out for symptoms that get worse or don’t clear up after 2 weeks. If they don’t, call your doctor.

The fungi that cause it are everywhere. Still, here are some things you can do to lower your chances of getting ringworm or stop it from spreading:

• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wear flip-flops in locker rooms and public showers.
• Change your socks and underwear at least once each day.
• Don’t share clothes or towels with someone who has ringworm.
• If you play sports, keep your gear and uniform clean — and don’t share them with other players.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after playing with pets. If your pets have ringworm, see your vet.

Top Picks

Ringworm in a child – symptoms, treatment in Moscow

Ringworm is a common childhood pathology of fungal origin. It affects not only smooth skin and the scalp, but often the nails of the hands and feet are involved in the infectious and inflammatory process. The disease is characterized by high contagiousness, rapid deterioration of the general condition of the child, recurrence in the absence of competent treatment. If parents do not seek professional medical help, then permanent irreversible baldness is possible on fungal-affected areas of the head.

Ringworm is a mycotic disease. Its danger lies in the possibility of infection through contact with both a sick person and an infected animal. This is a highly contagious fungal pathology that affects adults and children. But it is in children that it is most often detected. Dermatologists explain this:

Exploring the world, a child may encounter ringworm pathogens on the street, in their own home, in a close children’s team. Pathogenic fungi remain viable for a long time on animal hair, combs, toys, picture books, fruits and berries plucked from a branch. Once on the skin of the baby, they germinate. A mycelium is formed, slowly but stubbornly affects nearby healthy tissues. The fact that a child has ringworm, parents often find out already by fairly large infectious foci.

Types of ringworm

Ringworm is classified according to the species of the infectious agent. The pathology caused by Trichophyton fungi is called trichophytosis, Microsporum – microsporia. In dermatology, it is divided into groups according to the form of the course:

The most common classification is based on the localization of foci with pathogenic fungi:

If the symptoms of an acute pathology are ignored, then it takes a chronic form of the course. It is usually diagnosed in women who did not receive treatment for superficial ringworm in childhood. In other cases, pathogenic fungi in adults are neutralized by organic acids contained in the hair. But if they are not enough, which is typical for endocrine disorders and weak immunity, then the pathology becomes chronic, capable of spreading to other family members.

The disease in an infiltrative-suppurative form is detected in patients of any age living in rural areas and in contact with infected animals. The most common carriers are cattle.

Main manifestations

The nature and severity of signs of fungal lesions varies depending on the location of the foci on the skin and the form of the disease.

Infection of the scalp

This form of fungal infection affects the scalp. First, single, and then multiple foci of ringworm of different sizes are formed – oval, rounded, with clearly defined contours. As fungal pathogens spread, the course of the disease worsens:

1. Hair located in rounded foci begins to break off and then fall out, leaving behind “stumps” in the form of black dots. Sometimes it seems that they are specially cut in such a bizarre way.

2. This localization of lesions is characterized by the formation of many gray or white skin scales. They are easy enough to confuse with dandruff. The skin peels off, the scales fall off, but this process is not accompanied by any discomfort.

3. If treatment is not carried out, then there is an increase in the size of rounded spots, the formation of foci on new areas of the skin. They turn red, small bubbles appear on the edges, filled with liquid contents. After ripening, they collapse, and dry crusts form in their places.

Although ringworm in children is not complicated by severe physical discomfort, they suffer from psychological peer pressure. Skin flakes falling on clothes, red spots, rashes and bald spots are clearly visible, becoming a reason for bullying.

Smooth skin lesions

Trichophytosis and microsporia of smooth skin progress rapidly with the spread of rashes to healthy areas of the body. It manifests itself in this way:

1. There are skin rashes in the form of pink spots of a round or oval shape with clear boundaries. Along the edges, they are colored more intensely and thickened due to the formation of small bubbles and crusts.

2. The inner surface of the foci of microsporia and trichophytosis is light with multiple grayish scales, gradually exfoliating in the process of peeling.

3. Lesions formed on smooth skin are larger than on the scalp. They merge with the formation of large pink spots, the edges of which are uneven, with blurred borders.

Due to the ability of pathogens of microsporia and trichophytosis to spread rapidly, foci can form anywhere on the body in childhood. But most often, fungi affect the face and neck, where the dermis is thin and sensitive. Itching appears, due to the unbearable desire to comb the skin in children, the addition of a bacterial infection is often noted.

Chronic form of the disease

Chronic pathology is manifested by the formation of multiple foci on the body, not only on the skin, but also on the nails. Ringworm in children can be identified by the presence of the following symptoms:

1. Small atrophic bald spots are formed with small depressions, outside of which the “stumps” of broken hair are clearly visible. The centers of alopecia are usually localized in the area of ​​the temples and the back of the head. With trichophytosis or microsporia of the scalp, pronounced peeling is not observed, itching is absent in most cases.

2. If chronic ringworm has struck smooth skin, then foci with blurred boundaries are formed. The characteristic localization of plaques is the buttocks, knees, inner thighs, forearms. When rashes appear, painted in red or pinkish-cyanotic colors, itching is possible due to slight peeling of the skin.

3. Damage to the nails, first on the hands, and then on the legs, is noted with an advanced form. Their gradual thickening or thinning occurs, deformation is not excluded. Nails lose their shine, crumble, become gray.

Like all fungal pathologies, ringworm can take a generalized form with damage to internal organs. This happens in isolated cases, with a severely weakened immunity of the child.

Infiltrative-suppurative form

This form is characterized by the formation of dark red rounded lesions, the edges of which rise above the skin. Despite the fact that they are usually hidden by hair, their appearance does not go unnoticed by a person. The rashes are dense, so they are easily palpable, and also quite painful. Over time, their consistency becomes softer, crusts appear on the surface. After exfoliation, purulent exudate begins to stand out.

Often, skin manifestations of ringworm are complicated by general intoxication of the body in the form of fever, decreased appetite, swelling of nearby lymph nodes. Recovery often occurs without treatment. But there are clearly visible scars on the skin.

Diagnosis of lichen in children

Primary diagnosis is made by a dermatologist based on the patient’s examination and history. The doctor must ask parents about the presence of pets, cases of outbreaks in the children’s team.

To confirm the diagnosis, a number of instrumental studies are carried out:

1. Microscopy. With a strong increase, a skin scraping from an infectious focus is considered. Pathogenic fungi are visualized as mycotic cells and overgrown mycelium.

2. Culture analysis. A biological sample is sown in nutrient media, and then the pathogen is determined by the appearance and shape of the colonies. The study is prescribed to exclude other pathologies with similar symptoms.

Instrumental diagnostics is necessary only with the development of a generalized disease.

Methods of treating infection

When choosing the optimal tactics for treating ringworm in a child, a dermatologist focuses on the form of its course, the nature and severity of symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, the disease responds well to external therapy – ointments, gels, solutions. If it affects only smooth skin, then its treatment with drugs with antifungal components is prescribed 2 to 3 times a day. For example, a solution is applied to it in the morning, and an ointment or gel is applied in the evening.

In the arsenal of dermatologists there are various effective means for the destruction of pathogenic fungi. But many of them are not safe for children. Therefore, drugs with a low content of the active ingredient are prescribed in carefully calculated single and daily doses. Therapeutic regimens may also include:

• combined hormonal-antifungal agents for older children with severe inflammation of the skin;

• antibacterial ointments in case of bacterial infection;

• antipyretic syrups or suspensions;

• antipruritic gels;

• antiseptic solutions.

If the infectious focus has festered, then preparations are prescribed to extract pathological exudate, for example, balsamic liniment according to Vishnevsky. To strengthen the immune defense, increase immunity to pathogenic fungi, it is recommended to take balanced vitamin and mineral complexes according to age.

What not to do?

It is strictly forbidden to diagnose and treat ringworm in children on your own. Under it, diseases provoked by viruses or bacteria can be masked, which will make antifungal therapy useless. Also, only a pediatric dermatologist can differentiate the pathology from multi-colored lichen or allergic dermatosis, which require several different methods of treatment.

If the doctor made a diagnosis and prescribed drugs, then the following recommendations should be followed:

• before going outside, the affected areas of the body must be covered with clothing or a headdress;

• do not cover rashes with adhesive tape, as this will lead to their spread to healthy areas of the body.

It is forbidden to stop treatment after the disappearance of all symptoms of ringworm. Fungi can remain in the deep layers of the skin, which will cause a relapse. A child is considered healthy if no cells and mycelium of pathogens were found during a repeated laboratory study.

Prevention

The main preventive measure is the timely detection of infection with ringworm in one or more members of the children’s team. They are not the only ones being isolated for treatment. Children who have been in contact with them are also quarantined, and the staff is disinfecting all surfaces, including toys. This allows you to stop the spread of infection.

To prevent the child from becoming infected outside the children’s team, doctors recommend teaching him the rules of hygiene as early as possible. It is necessary to wash hands when returning from the street, avoid contact with stray animals. And also regularly inspect domestic cats and dogs if they walk on the street.

Comprehensive treatment of ringworm in children and adults is carried out by experienced dermatologists and mycologists of the Miracle Doctor clinic. To make an appointment, leave a request on our website or call.

A doctor from Yekaterinburg told why ringworm is dangerous – March 21, 2022

Women and children are more likely to get this infection, while testosterone protects men from ringworm

Photo: E1.RU reader, UMMC-Health press service

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In one of the kindergartens in Yekaterinburg, a case of microsporia, ringworm, was recorded. They introduced quarantine, but the group was not closed. E1.RU learned from a doctor who carries the infection, why it is dangerous and how to protect yourself and your child from microsporia.

– Ringworm is a fungal disease that most often affects children, – Elizaveta Topychkanova, PhD, dermatovenereologist at the UMMC-Health clinic, told E1.RU.

The infection affects the hairy part of the skin on the head, rounded bald patches appear. At the same time, microsporia does not bear serious consequences for the internal organs.

Elizaveta Topychkova explained that in case of an infection in a classroom or group of a kindergarten, quarantine measures are introduced: the patient is isolated, but the group is not closed, and doctors must examine the child, all family members and those who have been in contact with him within three days .

– Moreover, the child is isolated until negative controls are obtained, and microscopy control from the foci is carried out three times for three weeks, only then the child is released into the team. Within three days, when we are diagnosed, the doctor must submit a notice to the SES. Information is transmitted about where the child lives, who lives with him, where he studies or in which kindergarten he is, – said the dermatovenereologist.

As a rule, people get ringworm after contact with stray animals.

— The source of infection can be either a sick person, or, if we are talking about a carrier — an animal, most often it is cats, — said Elizaveta Topychkova. “These are the same homeless cats whose hair falls out in clumps. Adults also come when they took a kitten from someone and it was not tested for infections. Where there was contact, for example, on the skin of the face and neck, microsporia appears.

• Do not touch stray animals, especially cats;
• Infection is transmitted by skin contact – if someone in the family is sick, do not touch his infected places;
• The patient should sleep separately, it is desirable to change bed linen more often;
• A child with ringworm should have their own comb, hat and other clothing.

Parents found out about the quarantine in a kindergarten in Yekaterinburg only a month later. Soon the outbreak was confirmed by the mayor’s office. Earlier, the pediatrician dispelled the myths of parents about SARS, nasal drops and antibiotics.

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