Despite its name ringworm in humans and animals is not caused by worms, or for that matter, any kind of living animal. Ringworm is actually a fungal infection. And it does not discriminate between humans and animals. Both are equally susceptible to it. Ringworm derives its name from the shape of the rash itself, which shows up as a reddish ring on the surface of the skin.
Human ringworm looks like a round reddish rash. In the middle of the infection the skin is often normal in appearance, thus giving the rash a ring-like appearance. That's where the name comes from (at least the ring part of the name). The outer part of the rash is generally somewhat raised and may appear crusty. Ringworm can affect other parts of the body as well. Often the scalp becomes infected. Ringworm on the scalp may look like ringworm on the body, with a round circular appearance. It can also show up as a small pimple on the scalp that grows in size over time.
Temporary bald spots may occur with ringworm that affects the scalp. This is due to the hair follicles becoming quite hard and brittle in the areas where the rash occurs, causing the hair to break at their base. The hair does not die however, and will grow back once the rash is gone. It can be very unbecoming, however, and creates embarrassment for those infected in this way. The most common form of ringworm, which has probably affected just about everyone at one time or another, is athletes foot. Though there are not tell-tale rings with this fungus, it is nonetheless quite itchy and irritating. Athletes foot is not hard to treat and there are a wide variety of over the counter treatments available. All varieties of ringworm are quite contagious, and one must be diligent in their treatment in order to fully cure it.
The ways a person can get ringworm is direct contact with an infected person or animal. You can also get it from an object that an infected person or animal has come into contact with or even through the soil. It has an incubation period of 10 days meaning symptoms will develop 10 days after exposure. Your medical care provider will diagnose the fungus and can prescribe medication or anti fungal cream. The cream is the most effective course of treatment. Apply the cream to the infected area twice a day depending on the cream.
Cover the spot(s) with a band-aid or clothing. Make sure that you continue treatment for the entire length of time that you doctor suggests even if the rash has disappeared. You should also wash all of your bedding or any house hold fabric that has come into contact with the rash with bleach and hot water. Repeat the treatment if the uncovered rash comes into contact with you house hold items again. Avoid your rash coming into contact with any other pets or people.
The most effective way that ringworm is spread to other parts of your body is through scratching. If you scratch your rash you can then touch or scratch another part of your body spreading the fungus. The ringworm rash is not painful but it is arguably one of the itchiest things you can get on your body. The itchiness will subside through treatment but you have to be strong until then. Even with treatment the itchiness will be at its highest between the third and fifth day that the rash is visible. After that the symptoms will begin to subside.
When you are dealing with ringworm you need to be diligent. Stay on top of continuing with the cream for the full prescribed length of time and change the band-aid daily. Ringworm will linger if it is not treated correctly. - 30192
Human ringworm looks like a round reddish rash. In the middle of the infection the skin is often normal in appearance, thus giving the rash a ring-like appearance. That's where the name comes from (at least the ring part of the name). The outer part of the rash is generally somewhat raised and may appear crusty. Ringworm can affect other parts of the body as well. Often the scalp becomes infected. Ringworm on the scalp may look like ringworm on the body, with a round circular appearance. It can also show up as a small pimple on the scalp that grows in size over time.
Temporary bald spots may occur with ringworm that affects the scalp. This is due to the hair follicles becoming quite hard and brittle in the areas where the rash occurs, causing the hair to break at their base. The hair does not die however, and will grow back once the rash is gone. It can be very unbecoming, however, and creates embarrassment for those infected in this way. The most common form of ringworm, which has probably affected just about everyone at one time or another, is athletes foot. Though there are not tell-tale rings with this fungus, it is nonetheless quite itchy and irritating. Athletes foot is not hard to treat and there are a wide variety of over the counter treatments available. All varieties of ringworm are quite contagious, and one must be diligent in their treatment in order to fully cure it.
The ways a person can get ringworm is direct contact with an infected person or animal. You can also get it from an object that an infected person or animal has come into contact with or even through the soil. It has an incubation period of 10 days meaning symptoms will develop 10 days after exposure. Your medical care provider will diagnose the fungus and can prescribe medication or anti fungal cream. The cream is the most effective course of treatment. Apply the cream to the infected area twice a day depending on the cream.
Cover the spot(s) with a band-aid or clothing. Make sure that you continue treatment for the entire length of time that you doctor suggests even if the rash has disappeared. You should also wash all of your bedding or any house hold fabric that has come into contact with the rash with bleach and hot water. Repeat the treatment if the uncovered rash comes into contact with you house hold items again. Avoid your rash coming into contact with any other pets or people.
The most effective way that ringworm is spread to other parts of your body is through scratching. If you scratch your rash you can then touch or scratch another part of your body spreading the fungus. The ringworm rash is not painful but it is arguably one of the itchiest things you can get on your body. The itchiness will subside through treatment but you have to be strong until then. Even with treatment the itchiness will be at its highest between the third and fifth day that the rash is visible. After that the symptoms will begin to subside.
When you are dealing with ringworm you need to be diligent. Stay on top of continuing with the cream for the full prescribed length of time and change the band-aid daily. Ringworm will linger if it is not treated correctly. - 30192
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