Ring around the Ringworm

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm is not an actual worm but a fungal infection that affects men and women as well as all ages in the spectrum from babies to seniors. The scientific name for this fungal skin infection is tinea corporis, which is ringworm on the face and body. Ringworm on the scalp is called tinea capitis. This fungal infection prefers warm conditions and its microorganisms like to dine on that insoluble protein that makes up nails, skin and hair called keratin, which resides in the epidermis, the top layer of skin.

What Ringworm Looks Like

Ringworm has a distinct appearance that is usually easy to detect. It is typically a circle shaped rash on the skin which appears swollen and red round the outer "ring" edge but with healthy looking skin in the middle part. Sometimes, the round patch of skin in ringworm is itchy and flat but it can form a raised border while other times, the ringworm affected area could simply be a red, inflamed area not the least bit shaped like a ring.

Sometimes these ringworm patterns overlap creating a larger affected area. In addition, more serious cases of this tinea corporis may produce water filled blisters or even pustules within the borders or even in the center where the healthy skin is supposed to reside.

Diagnosing and Treating the Problem

There are tell tale signs of ringworm and how the rash looks is of utmost important. Therefore, other skin conditions are tested in addition to the ringworm, to rule them out. For instance, a skin yeast infection called tinea versicolor is one related problem as is certain types of eczema. Doctors typically give a person a KOH test, the ingredients being potassium hydroxide.

The most common treatment for ringworm is a general topical anti-fungal ointment that should be applied to the affected areas several times a day for about three weeks. The ringworm usually disappears in about a week and a half but the ointment should still be applied daily for the three weeks as it will ensure that it completely eradicated. Monistat and Nizoral are two of several different kinds of treatment options for the ringworm.

When your ringworm is severe, you may have to take antifungal agents orally. These will usually kill the ringworm virtually 100% of the time as long as you follow the instructions. Lamisil is just one of the many oral treatments used.

Prevention is Key

Keeping dry is important to preventing ringworm from developing whereas moist, warm environments are necessary for ringworm to thrive. Therefore, you should immediately dry off after swimming and sweating and shower quickly to remove any germs lingering behind. It is also important to wear clothing that is not tight and put good hygiene practices to task

When dealing with plants, soil and handling animals, you will again want to wash your hands thoroughly as some of the fungi do hide out in the dirt. Also, you do not want to share your personal items like wash cloths and towels with anyone as you could spread the infection or make contact with them. All in all, ringworm may be bothersome, but it is rarely fatal.

Recommended Reading

1. Need Help Identifying that Rash?
2. Jock Itch – Fighting that Fungus
3. Defining Dermatitis and Possible Treatment Options
4. Foot Skin Disorder
5. Impetigo – Troublesome but not Serious