Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is actually a fungal infection that is lives on the surface of the skin. Ringworm is somewhat unique among fungi in that it is easily spread by animal to human contact as well as human to human contact. It is quite contagious and is most easily spread by direct contact with an infected person or animal. The problem in determining the source of infection is that ringworm has a 10 day incubation period before any signs generally appear.
In addition to human to human or animal to human contact, ringworm can also be spread from contact with objects that have been touched by an infected person or animal. Ringworm can also be contracted by humans by contact with soil, though this is rare. Animals, however, often contract the fungus this way.
In people ringworm shows up as a rash on the skin. It is typically round in shape and red. Normally it will have normal looking skin inside the red circle that forms. The edges of the rash are generally reddish, raised and the skin will be crusty. The name ringworm comes from the round or "ring" look of the rash itself. Other forms of ringworm include athlete's foot and jock itch.
Jock itch, as the name implies, infects the skin around the groin area, which is generally moist. Jock itch also shows up as a red rash, but does not have any circular patterns to it. Athletes foot, probably the most common form of ringworm, infects the bottom of the feet as well as skin between the toes. It is generally dry and scaly. Another lesser know form of ringworm is ringworm of the hand. This is similar to athletes foot in appearance with the skin between the fingers being moist, often with open sores.
Ringworm treatment is fairly straight forward. The most common treatments are over the counter fungal medications. Although these are effective for some strains of ringworm, they don't always work for severe cases. In those cases a prescription from a doctor is often needed, which can be quite expensive. In either case you must try your best not to scratch this very itchy infection. Scratching will cause further spreading of the infection to other parts of your body. You also must take care to thoroughly was all clothing, material and objects that could have been exposed to the fungus. If your in a public environment, wear flip flops if showering and avoid unnecessary contact with public objects. It generally is best to keep your infection covered to avoid to chance of further infection through contact.
Realistically, it is extremely difficult to keep from contracting ringworm. You should avoid contact with pets or people who have it but since the symptoms are not immediately evident you may catch it from someone who shows no symptoms. Make sure that you wear flip flops in public showers and avoid using towels or touching public areas. If you go to a gym the mats should be washed on a regular basis especially if you are walking on them in bare feet which is sometimes unavoidable in many gyms. Most of all make sure that if you do get a ringworm infection; make sure that you are diligent in your care. The main reason that ringworm is difficult to get rid of and often spreads is because people do not continue the treatment. - 30192
In addition to human to human or animal to human contact, ringworm can also be spread from contact with objects that have been touched by an infected person or animal. Ringworm can also be contracted by humans by contact with soil, though this is rare. Animals, however, often contract the fungus this way.
In people ringworm shows up as a rash on the skin. It is typically round in shape and red. Normally it will have normal looking skin inside the red circle that forms. The edges of the rash are generally reddish, raised and the skin will be crusty. The name ringworm comes from the round or "ring" look of the rash itself. Other forms of ringworm include athlete's foot and jock itch.
Jock itch, as the name implies, infects the skin around the groin area, which is generally moist. Jock itch also shows up as a red rash, but does not have any circular patterns to it. Athletes foot, probably the most common form of ringworm, infects the bottom of the feet as well as skin between the toes. It is generally dry and scaly. Another lesser know form of ringworm is ringworm of the hand. This is similar to athletes foot in appearance with the skin between the fingers being moist, often with open sores.
Ringworm treatment is fairly straight forward. The most common treatments are over the counter fungal medications. Although these are effective for some strains of ringworm, they don't always work for severe cases. In those cases a prescription from a doctor is often needed, which can be quite expensive. In either case you must try your best not to scratch this very itchy infection. Scratching will cause further spreading of the infection to other parts of your body. You also must take care to thoroughly was all clothing, material and objects that could have been exposed to the fungus. If your in a public environment, wear flip flops if showering and avoid unnecessary contact with public objects. It generally is best to keep your infection covered to avoid to chance of further infection through contact.
Realistically, it is extremely difficult to keep from contracting ringworm. You should avoid contact with pets or people who have it but since the symptoms are not immediately evident you may catch it from someone who shows no symptoms. Make sure that you wear flip flops in public showers and avoid using towels or touching public areas. If you go to a gym the mats should be washed on a regular basis especially if you are walking on them in bare feet which is sometimes unavoidable in many gyms. Most of all make sure that if you do get a ringworm infection; make sure that you are diligent in your care. The main reason that ringworm is difficult to get rid of and often spreads is because people do not continue the treatment. - 30192
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