Ringworm Information
Although the name contains the word “worm” ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is actually a fungus that lives and spreads to the top layer of skin. It is very contagious and people and pets can get it in a number of different ways. The most likely way that people get ringworm is from coming into contact with an infected person or animal. It has an incubation period of ten days so you will not show sings or symptoms until after the tenth day of contact. You can also get it from touching an object that has come into contact with a person or animal that has ringworm such as blanket, clothing like hats, or things like gym mats. The least likely way that people get ringworm is from the soil. It is more likely for an animal to catch ringworm in this way then a person.
In people ringworm shows up as a rash on the skin. It is round in shape and red. Typically it will have healthy looking skin in the middle. The edges of the rash are usually red, raised and the skin can be crusty. The name ringworm comes from the “ring” shape of the rash itself. Jock itch and athlete’s foot are also forms of ringworm. Jock itch is a rash that is seen in the skin folds of the groin. It can be seen as a red, itchy rash. Athlete’s foot appears like thick, dry and scaly skin on the bottom of the feet or between the toes. Ringworm of the hand will look similar to athlete’s foot. The skin between the fingers may be moist and have open sores as well.
The treatment for ringworm is fairly easy. Some people prefer to start with an over the counter anti-fungal medication to start treatment. With some kinds of ringworm with is very effective. But, since there are several different forms ranging in severity, sometimes the only solution is to obtain a prescription for your doctor. You should refrain from scratching your rash. Although it is a very itchy infection, it is the scratching that spreads the infection to other parts f your body. It is very important to wash any fabrics that have come into direct contact with the ringworm infection in hot water and bleach. If you use public showers, wear flip flops in the shower and avoid touching the walls as much as possible. Avoid direct contact your ringworm to other people and pets. You should keep your rash covered as much as possible. Although fungus thrives in a warm damp place, you have more of a chance to spread the infection through contact.
There are really no ways to prevent having ringworm. You can avoid contact with a pet or person who has it but since the symptoms are not always evident right away so sometimes that is hard. Make sure that you wear flip flops in public showers and avoid using towels or touching public areas there. Make sure that if you are going to a gym that the mats are washed regularly especially if you are walking on them in bare feet which are unavoidable in some gyms. Most of all make sure that if you do get a ringworm infection; make sure that you are diligent in your care. The best way that ringworm lingers or spreads is because people do not keep up on the treatment.
