How Do You Get Ringworm

Those diagnosed with ringworm may be curious about their initial exposure. There are no worms in the case of ringworm. In school-aged children, this fungal illness is quite prevalent. 

Since the ring of red, scaly skin caused by the fungal infection resembles a worm when held end to end, this is how the condition got its name: ringworm. Many species of bacteria and fungi call the human skin their home; some are beneficial, while others can cause illnesses. 

Harmful microorganisms cause ringworm. Use of the term “ringworm” often refers to either tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) or tinea corporis (body ringworm). The phrase also characterizes other types of tinea infections, including tinea cruris, that affect other body regions.

Any animal or human can contract ringworm. Infected regions will first show signs of discoloration and scaling. These spots seem red on fair skin and brownish-grey on deeper skin tones. Everywhere on the body is at risk for infection if ringworm is present. Read on for how do you get ringworm, warning signs, possible diagnoses, and how to stay healthy and avoid problems.

What Is A Ringworm?

The skin ailment known as ringworm is caused by fungus. There is no worm to blame for ringworm. The initial sign of infection is a red, bumpy rash. These pimples spread slowly to form a ring from 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter. 

Its borders are crimson and either raised or scaly. Following the development of the ring, the skin inside the rash may seem pink or otherwise unaffected. The rash often occurs in a few spots, although it can show up everywhere and may be itchy. 

The effects of ringworm are usually minor. Ringworm is highly infectious. Puppies, kittens, and guinea pigs are at risk, as are individuals with contact with pet rodents. If someone with a susceptible immune system contacts the rash or something that has touched the rash, they may contract it and transmit it to others.

How Do You Get Ringworm?

In humans, ringworm is caused by a fungus that colonizes dead skin, hair, and nails. Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes are responsible for the infection that causes ringworm. Because they can only find keratin in these areas, dermatophytes affect the skin, scalp, hair, and nails.

Microscopic dermatophyte spores can live for months on the skin’s surface. They’re so tough that you won’t even need to worry about them when you leave them in towels, combs, soil, or other common household items. A ringworm-infected individual or animal may spread the fungus to other surfaces by touching them. 

Anybody handling those items runs the risk of getting ringworm. Symptoms often present when a child has ringworm, but many adults do not. An individual’s immune system functions more effectively as they become older. Contagious ringworm can be contracted from the following:

From Pets Interaction:

Ringworm is contagious and can be transferred from infected animals to humans. Those who share a bed with a pet are at a higher risk of contracting ringworm due to the increased likelihood of coming into touch with the fungus. 

Around twice as many kittens and puppies as adult pets are affected by ringworm. Ringworm is not limited to humans; it may infect other mammals, including goats, pigs, cows, and horses.

The Soil:

The fungus can move through the soil via animals or people who go about barefoot. Ringworm is contagious and may be contracted by touching contaminated soil. Yet, this is not a typical method to become infected with ringworm.

Different Household Objects:

You can catch ringworm by touching an object the fungus has colonized, as it can survive off organic matter. Gym mats, shower floors, Towels, and equipment are ideal environments for fungi since they are warm and damp.

Types Of Ringworm

Ringworm can manifest in several distinct ways. The ringworms described below are among the most common kinds.

• Scalp Ringworm

In youngsters, ringworm on the scalp is very infectious. Predominantly affecting kids under 10, it is still a serious problem. It’s quite uncommon in mature human beings. A kerion is a big, sensitive lesion that can form over an area affected by ringworm on the scalp. 

Hypersensitivity to ringworm is to blame for this condition, which can also manifest as a generalized rash and painful lymph nodes in the neck. Itching, flaking, and a rash on the scalp are possible symptoms of ringworm of the scalp.

• Scalp itching
• Scalp rash that is red and flaky
• Itchy rash in other places
• Scalp hair thinning
• Nails Infection

Nail fungus causes a thicker, misshapen nail and can affect either the fingernail or the toenail. Toenails, rather than fingernails, are typically impacted by this illness. Younger children are less prone to experience this than teenagers and adults. Nail ringworm symptoms include:

• Nails color turns yellow
• Increased thickness at the nail tips

• Body Ringworm

This skin infection manifests as a ring-shaped rash on the face or torso. Children are particularly vulnerable, but it may happen to anybody. It is more prevalent in the warmer parts of the world. It’s possible to confuse ringworm symptoms with those of other skin disorders. If you’re looking for a diagnosis, it’s best to consult a doctor. Body ringworm symptoms might include:

• Itching in the affected region.
• Round, elevated, and red lesion.
• The redness in the lesion’s center may fade when the lesion expands.

• Athlete’s Foot

Teenage and adult males are disproportionately affected by this widespread problem. There is a lower incidence among pre-pubescent children. Sweating, not thoroughly drying feet after swimming or showering, wearing tight socks and shoes, and hot temperatures are all factors. Athlete’s foot may cause the following symptoms:

• Feet rash that itches badly
• Foot blisters
• The feet are being scaled
• The area of skin between your toes has lightened

Ringworm Diagnosis

Your physician will diagnose ringworm by performing a physical examination of your skin and may also use a black light to see the afflicted region. Certain types of fungus can fluoresce (glow) when examined with a black light in certain circumstances.

To confirm a ringworm diagnosis, your doctor may order the following procedure from you:

1. If you receive a KOH exam, your physician will scrape off a tiny piece of damaged skin onto a slide and then pour drops of potassium hydroxide. You will know if you have psoriasis based on the results. The normal skin cells are shattered by the KOH, which enables the fungal components to be more clearly observed under a microscope.
2. If your doctor suspects fungus, they may perform a skin biopsy or a fungal culture by removing a small piece of skin or the fluid from a blister and sending it to a lab.

Treatment Of Ringworm

Antifungal cream is an effective treatment for ringworm in most cases. There is no need for a prescription to purchase these creams since they are readily accessible at any pharmacy. These creams treat ringworm by applying them to the affected area once or twice daily until the rash clears up. 

Since no evidence suggests that one style is superior, you can employ whatever appeals to you the most. If you have had ringworm in the past and found that one treatment worked well for you, you should continue taking that treatment. 

It is essential to remember that the antifungal medication nystatin, which can eliminate thrush, is ineffective against ringworm. Tinea capitis is resistant to antifungal treatments. Oral drugs must be administered to treat ringworm that has spread to the scalp. 

Seeing a doctor is in need if your rash persists after two weeks. To cure your ringworm, your doctor may recommend using a cream that requires a prescription or oral medicine.

Method To Apply Anti-Fungal Cream On The Wound

1. First, wash your hands and pat them dry.
2. Get soap and water and wash the rash off in the shower, sink, or pot.
3. Use a paper towel or clean cotton towel to pat the rash dry. This towel should not come into contact with uninjured skin. Towels made of fabric should be cleaned before being reused.
4. With a thin coating, cover the rash and its surrounding area.
5. Apply the lotion circularly, working from the rash’s periphery inward.
6. If you have a ringworm, don’t cover it up with a bandage.
7. Again make sure your hands are clean and dry.

Home Treatments For Ringworm

Before antifungal medications were developed, ringworm was commonly treated with traditional remedies. The evidence for these treatments is primarily anecdotal. No studies compare them to over-the-counter antifungals; thus, their usage is not recommended.

Some of the home treatments are given below:

1. The common spice turmeric may be turned into an antifungal paste by mixing it with water. You may apply the paste to your skin and wait for it to dry in this manner.
2. To cure ringworm, some individuals recommend using cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar to the skin three times daily.
3. Thymol, an ingredient found in oregano oil, has been linked to the oil’s purported antifungal effects. The potency of oregano oil’s adverse effects makes mixing it with tea tree oil riskier, which can cause allergic reactions or discomfort in some people.
4. Ringworm individuals often rub coconut oil into their skin to prevent further infections. Using coconut oil once daily to three times daily will have the desired effect.
5. The same gases that comprise the ozone layer have been incorporated into various oils, including olive and sunflower. This oil has been demonstrated to be useful in many tests for treating nail fungus. According to one research, ozone-treated sunflower oil had more clinical impact than the standard antifungal medicine ketoconazole.

Is Ringworm Highly infectious?

Ringworm is a common condition that may affect anyone. The virus is widespread, especially among youngsters and those who keep cats and dogs as pets. Ringworms may spread from cats and dogs to people through physical contact. If you notice any sign of ringworm in your pet, you should immediately seek medical attention since the condition is dangerous.

If your skin is fragile and wet from extended water exposure (macerated) or has minor skin injuries or abrasions. In that case, you may be at a higher risk of developing dermatophytosis if you touch fungus at that time.

The contagious fungus might potentially be spread through the use of a public shower or pool. Ringworm of the foot might happen if you go barefoot a lot. Individuals who often exchange personal goods, including hairbrushes or clothes, are also at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Precaution to Controlling the Spreading of Ringworm

Stopping the disease from spreading is crucial. A few measures may be taken to protect against contracting ringworm.

• If you have had contact with an infectious human, animal, or object, it is necessary to do regular skin checks.
• Wash your hands and face when you’re done with animals or soil.
• Always keep your blankets and towels clean.
• If you see any symptoms of ringworm in your pet (such as bald spots), you should take them to the doctor.
• Treatment should begin as soon as feasible.
• It’s important to avoid scratching a ringworm rash since it might spread the infection to other areas of your body.
• It’s best not to share anything with someone with ringworm, including combs, towels, and sheets.

Wrapping Up:

A ring-shaped red or silver rash may appear on the skin due to ringworm, a fungal infection. While arms and legs are the most prevalent sites of infection, ringworm may show up practically everywhere on the body. Contrary to popular belief, worms are not responsible for the spread of ringworm. 

Most cases of ringworm are not severe and respond well to treatment with an antifungal cream purchased from a drugstore. Limiting further infection is crucial. Medications for the skin have the potential to cure ringworm of the trunk and limbs in two to four weeks. 

If you have severe dermatophytosis that isn’t responding to over-the-counter or at-home therapies or believe you have a tinea infection of the scalp or hair follicles. In that case, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications to treat the illness.