How does ringworm manifest on different skin types. What are the common misconceptions about ringworm. How can you effectively prevent and treat ringworm infections. What role do pets play in the transmission of ringworm. How does ringworm affect various parts of the body.

The Truth About Ringworm: Debunking Common Myths

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm is not caused by a worm at all. This widespread misconception often leads to confusion about the nature of this common skin infection. In reality, ringworm is a fungal infection caused by mold-like organisms that thrive on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. These fungi, known as dermatophytes, can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, feet, and groin area.

The name “ringworm” likely originated from the characteristic ring-shaped rash that often develops on the skin. However, this misleading term has persisted despite our improved understanding of the condition’s true cause.

Different Names for the Same Culprit

Depending on the location of the infection, ringworm goes by different names:

• Athlete’s foot: When the infection occurs between the toes
• Jock itch: When it spreads to the groin area
• Tinea capitis: Ringworm of the scalp

Despite these varying terms, all these conditions are caused by the same group of fungi and share similar characteristics in terms of symptoms and treatment approaches.

Recognizing Ringworm: Key Symptoms and Appearance

Identifying ringworm early is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing its spread. The appearance of ringworm can vary depending on the affected area and the individual’s skin tone. However, there are some telltale signs to watch for:

On Light Skin

On lighter skin tones, ringworm typically appears as:

• A red, scaly patch
• Circular or ring-shaped lesions
• Raised, bumpy edges with a clearer center

On Skin of Color

For individuals with darker skin tones, ringworm may present as:

• Brown or gray patches
• Circular lesions with less pronounced redness
• Subtle changes in skin texture and color

Regardless of skin tone, the affected area often itches and may develop small bumps. As the infection progresses, the initial bump can evolve into a ring-shaped patch, sometimes forming multiple rings. The inside of these rings is typically clear or scaly, while the outer edge may be slightly raised and bumpy.

Scalp Ringworm: A Unique Presentation

When ringworm affects the scalp, it often begins as a small bump or sore. Over time, this area may become flaky and scaly, with the scalp feeling tender and sore to the touch. One distinctive feature of scalp ringworm is hair loss in patches, which can be particularly distressing for those affected.

The Highly Contagious Nature of Ringworm

One of the most important aspects of ringworm to understand is its highly contagious nature. This fungal infection can spread easily through various means, making prevention and early treatment crucial.

How Does Ringworm Spread?

Ringworm can be transmitted in several ways:

1. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
2. Contact with infected animals, particularly pets like cats and dogs
3. Touching contaminated objects or surfaces
4. Contact with infected soil (though less common)

The fungus responsible for ringworm can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making it easy to contract the infection from shared items like towels, combs, or clothing. This resilience contributes to its widespread occurrence in communal settings such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and schools.

The Role of Pets in Ringworm Transmission

Pet owners should be particularly vigilant, as animals can be carriers of the ringworm fungus without showing obvious symptoms. Dogs and cats are common sources of ringworm infections in humans, but other animals, including cows, can also transmit the fungus.

To minimize the risk of transmission from pets:

• Regularly groom and inspect your pets for any signs of skin abnormalities
• Wash your hands thoroughly after petting or grooming animals
• Seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet may have ringworm

Diagnosing Ringworm: When to See a Doctor

While ringworm often has distinctive symptoms, it can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions. If you suspect you have ringworm, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Procedures

To confirm a ringworm diagnosis, your doctor may:

• Perform a visual examination of the affected area
• Use a Wood’s lamp (black light) to detect certain species of fungi
• Take a skin scraping for microscopic examination
• Culture a sample to identify the specific fungus causing the infection

These methods help distinguish ringworm from other skin conditions that may present similarly, such as eczema, psoriasis, or other fungal infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild cases of ringworm can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are scenarios where professional medical care is necessary:

• If the rash doesn’t improve after two weeks of self-treatment
• When the infection spreads to multiple areas of the body
• If you develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
• When ringworm affects the scalp or beard area
• If you have a weakened immune system

Early intervention can prevent the spread of the infection and reduce the risk of complications.

Effective Treatments for Ringworm: From OTC to Prescription Options

The treatment approach for ringworm depends on the severity and location of the infection. In many cases, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications are sufficient to clear the infection. However, more severe or persistent cases may require prescription-strength treatments.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

For mild to moderate ringworm infections on the skin, OTC antifungal products are often effective. These typically come in the form of:

• Creams
• Lotions
• Powders

Common active ingredients in these products include:

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
• Miconazole
• Terbinafine
• Ketoconazole

These treatments usually need to be applied consistently for 2 to 4 weeks to ensure complete eradication of the fungus and prevent recurrence.

Prescription Treatments

In more severe cases or when ringworm affects the scalp, prescription medications may be necessary. These can include:

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

Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the extent and location of the infection, as well as any underlying health conditions you may have.

Monitoring Treatment Progress

Regardless of the treatment method, it’s crucial to monitor the progress of your ringworm infection. If symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment, consult your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your treatment plan or investigate other potential causes for your symptoms.

Preventing Ringworm: Practical Steps for Reducing Risk

While the fungi that cause ringworm are ubiquitous in our environment, there are several practical steps you can take to minimize your risk of infection:

Personal Hygiene Practices

• Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating
• Change your socks and underwear daily, or more frequently if you sweat excessively
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools
• Use flip-flops or shower shoes in communal bathing areas
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals, especially if they show signs of skin problems

Clothing and Personal Item Management

• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing, or hairbrushes
• Wash sports uniforms and gear regularly
• Ensure that shared equipment in gyms or sports facilities is cleaned between uses

Pet Care and Hygiene

• Regularly groom and inspect your pets for any signs of skin abnormalities
• Take pets to the veterinarian promptly if you suspect they have ringworm
• Follow proper treatment protocols if your pet is diagnosed with ringworm

Environmental Considerations

• Keep communal areas clean and dry, especially in households where ringworm has been present
• Vacuum and disinfect surfaces regularly, particularly in areas where infected individuals or pets have been
• Consider using antifungal sprays or powders in shoes and on surfaces if ringworm has been a recurring problem

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting ringworm and help prevent its spread to others.

Ringworm in Special Populations: Children, Athletes, and Immunocompromised Individuals

While ringworm can affect anyone, certain groups may be at higher risk or require special consideration when it comes to prevention and treatment.

Children and Ringworm

Children are particularly susceptible to ringworm infections due to their close contact with other children and pets, as well as their developing immune systems. Some key points to consider for children include:

• Educating children about proper hygiene practices
• Encouraging regular handwashing, especially after playing with pets
• Monitoring for signs of infection, particularly on the scalp
• Seeking prompt treatment to prevent spread in schools or daycare settings

Athletes and Ringworm

Athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, are at increased risk of ringworm due to skin-to-skin contact and shared equipment. Preventive measures for athletes include:

• Using protective gear to minimize skin contact during sports
• Showering immediately after practices and competitions
• Avoiding sharing towels, uniforms, or personal items
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting sports equipment

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may be more susceptible to ringworm infections and may experience more severe symptoms. Special considerations for this group include:

• Heightened vigilance in monitoring for signs of infection
• More aggressive treatment approaches, often involving oral antifungal medications
• Close coordination with healthcare providers to manage the infection effectively
• Extra precautions to avoid exposure to potential sources of infection

Understanding the unique risks and needs of these populations can help in developing targeted prevention strategies and ensuring prompt, effective treatment when infections occur.

Long-term Management and Living with Recurrent Ringworm

For some individuals, ringworm can be a recurring problem. Understanding how to manage this condition long-term is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing frequent outbreaks.

Identifying Triggers and Risk Factors

If you experience recurrent ringworm infections, it’s important to identify potential triggers or risk factors that may be contributing to the problem. These could include:

• Chronic medical conditions that affect immune function
• Occupational exposures (e.g., working with animals or in humid environments)
• Lifestyle factors such as frequent gym use or participation in contact sports
• Persistent fungal reservoirs in your home or on personal items

Proactive Prevention Strategies

For those prone to ringworm infections, a proactive approach to prevention is key:

• Maintain a consistent antifungal hygiene routine, especially in high-risk situations
• Consider using preventive antifungal powders or sprays in shoes and on frequently contacted surfaces
• Regularly inspect and treat pets for signs of fungal infections
• Be vigilant about early signs of infection and start treatment promptly

Working with Healthcare Providers

If you struggle with recurrent ringworm, collaborating closely with your healthcare provider is essential:

• Discuss the possibility of underlying conditions that may increase your susceptibility to fungal infections
• Explore options for prophylactic treatments to prevent recurrences
• Consider allergy testing to rule out other potential causes of recurring skin issues
• Develop a long-term management plan tailored to your specific situation

By taking a comprehensive approach to managing ringworm, including understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms early, implementing effective treatments, and adopting robust prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce the impact of this common fungal infection on your life. Remember, while ringworm can be frustrating and uncomfortable, with proper care and attention, it is a highly manageable condition.

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 will often look red on light skin, but brown or gray on skin of color. Most ringworm of the skin can be treated at home with creams you can buy without a prescription. Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images

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 will often look red on light skin, but brown or gray on skin of color. Most ringworm of the skin can be treated at home with creams you can buy without a prescription. Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images

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

symptoms, treatment – health articles

11/10/2022

Worms are worms that lead a parasitic way of life in the body of their host – a man. Age doesn’t matter. Both adults and children are equally susceptible to infection. The classification of helminthiases is very extensive, especially in countries with a hot climate.

There are 3 classes of parasitic worms:

• round (nematodes) – pinworms, roundworms;
• tapeworms (cestodes) – pork tapeworm, bovine tapeworm, echinococcus;
• flatworms, flukes (trematodes).

The most common worms in children are pinworms causing enterobiasis . These are helminths of small size, on average up to 1 cm, white-gray in color with a curved body. The place of localization of these parasites is the large intestine, but they can also penetrate into the lower sections of the small intestine. Reproduction of pinworms occurs on the skin near the anus. At night, female pinworms get out to debug eggs in the folds of the skin, often penetrating the labia in girls, which ends with infectious diseases of the genitals. In total, these helminths live for about 1-1.5 months. The process of self-infection in a child can lead to the fact that the malaise will continue for many years. Parasites can be detected with the naked eye in the stool.

Another type of worm most commonly found in children is roundworm . Characteristic species, reaching a length of 15 cm, these nematodes settle in the lumen of the loops of the small intestine, advancing towards the moving food bolus. In the feces, roundworms are very rare. Females periodically release eggs, which can be found in the analysis of feces. But if they were not found during the study, this does not mean that the child is not infected. The life cycle of roundworm can last several years.

Reasons

The curiosity of the baby is realized by his fingers, the child, learning the world, actively touches everything that comes to his hand and immediately pulls it into his mouth, tasting it for strength and taste. Thus, pinworm eggs safely enter the digestive tract of their future little host.

A child becomes infected with worm eggs from the surface of unwashed fruits when drinking contaminated water. Very often, infection occurs when communicating with animals, or when playing in the ground, a sandbox, where cats and dogs like to solve their physiological problems. After a walk, children often do not wash their hands, and all the dirt, along with parasitic eggs, gets into their mouths.

Symptoms of worming

How to understand that a child has worms? If the child was infected with a large number of eggs of parasitic worms, then after a few days a sharp deterioration in the condition may occur. In milder cases, the first symptoms of invasion appear after a few weeks or even months. Much depends on immunity. It can quite cope with parasites and restrain their development. But gradually the defenses are reduced, and the helminths infect the body, causing serious problems.

The first signs of worms are symptoms of poisoning (intoxication). The vital activity of worms is accompanied by the release of a large number of animal toxins that can poison the child’s body. In the intestines, parasitic worms use nutrients, as a result of which the baby gradually becomes deficient in proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins.

The child develops:

• emaciation,
• pale skin,
• weakness, frequent dizziness,
• rise in body temperature, headache,
• bad dream,
• tearfulness,
• depressed mood.

Intestinal ailments are manifested – constipation, loose stools, rumbling and pain in the abdomen, bouts of nausea and vomiting, pain in different parts of the abdomen, bloating. The disease may be accompanied by allergic conditions: itching, rashes, cough, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Weakened immunity leads to the addition of infectious diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of helminthiasis

Diagnosis of helminthiases by feces is quite difficult. This is due to the fact that ascaris or pinworm eggs do not appear in the feces every day, and the technique of microscopy of smears from the analysis requires great care. To increase reliability, it is desirable to take a stool test for worm eggs for at least 3 days in a row.

In cases of increased risk of infection with worms (contact with animals, the child’s playing on the ground or in open sandboxes, the child’s habit of taking things in his mouth, biting his nails or licking his fingers, etc.), it is advisable to undergo an in-depth examination, which includes, in addition to a threefold analysis of feces special blood tests that detect antibodies to helminths.

In the presence of allergic manifestations of unknown origin, an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood test, persistent intestinal dysbacteriosis, it is advisable to donate blood for the determination of class E immunoglobulins (Ig E and G) to ascaris and other helminths. You can check for worms in pets.

By evaluating the totality of circumstantial evidence and history, the doctor may recommend antihelminthic therapy without direct evidence of the presence of worms in the child, if other pathologies that cause similar clinical manifestations are excluded.
If worms are found in a child or in one of the family members, it is necessary, if possible, to treat all family members in order to avoid the formation of a focus of infection of each other with helminth eggs. In this situation, in addition, it is necessary to strengthen hygiene measures, in particular, boil and iron bed and personal linen on both sides.

If you find symptoms of infection with parasites, consult a doctor and undergo a diagnosis at the MEDSI-ProMedicina clinic in Ufa

Symptoms of worms and methods of their treatment – blog of the medical center ON Clinic

Worms (helminths) are parasitic worms that affect the internal organs (intestines, liver, brain, lungs) of a person.

Worm infestations lead to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and skin lesions.

How are worms transmitted?

Worms are transmitted by the fecal-oral route. A person can become infected through contact with animals or people who excrete helminth eggs in feces. You can become infected with parasitic worms when using someone else’s personal hygiene products, toys, bed linen or dishes, as well as when washing a cat’s litter box without gloves.

Helminths can enter the human body while walking barefoot on contaminated soil. Parasitosis (helminthic diseases) also develop after drinking contaminated water or infected food: worms can be found in fish, meat (beef, pork), as well as fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms of worms

Signs of worms in humans are constant fatigue, weakness and muscle pain (myalgia).