Ringworm has nothing to do with worms but is due to fungal infection. People with ringworm infections have raised ring-shaped rashes on their skin. Ringworm rashes are often confined to one part of the body, but if the underlying infection worsens, the rashes can appear on other body parts. 

ringworm

Rashes caused by ringworm are itchy and cause burning and peeling skin. Ringworm appears on the hands, feet, groin, scalp, and nails. 

Ringworm Symptoms 

The parasites that cause ringworm live in the skin’s outer layer and cause a contagious infection that spreads when people have skin-to-skin contact or when petting infected dogs and cats. 

Ringworm symptoms include rashes on the skin and scalp. It can cause hair loss and doesn’t look the same on the scalp as on the skin. When ringworm affects nails, they become thick and brittle.  

Ringworm Causes

Ringworm is caused by close contact with an infected person and sharing contaminated objects, and it can spread from other body parts. Walking barefoot in public places can lead to a ringworm infection on the feet, especially after walking in damp areas like swimming pool surfaces, showers, and gyms. Ringworm spores live on fabric and other porous surfaces, which allows the infection to spread quickly. 

Excess weight is also a risk factor for ringworm because folds of skin tend to be damp, which makes it easy for fungi to take hold. Sometimes, times of high stress can cause ringworm. Stress-related ringworm infections may be prevented with medication. 

Diagnosing Ringworm

Doctors can diagnose ringworm by checking for ring-shaped rashes. Diagnosing ringworm also includes asking about a patient’s health history and symptoms they may have. A doctor may take skin and nail samples for laboratory testing. 

Ringworm is common in children but affects adults as well. 

ringworm treatment

Treatment for Ringworm

The treatment for ringworm includes over-the-counter topical lotions and powder. In most cases, topical treatment must be applied for four weeks to ensure the infection is gone. Once the infection is gone, the topical treatment should continue for several weeks to prevent another infection. 

Some natural remedies may relieve but won’t cure the infection. These include the application of tea tree oil and diluted apple cider vinegar. Natural remedies do not replace medical treatment.

Preventing Ringworm

 It can be tough to prevent ringworm, primarily because it spreads quickly between people. But some steps can help prevent ringworm: 

  • Keep skin dry and wear loose-fitting clothes.
  • Wear clean socks and underwear every day.
  • Shower immediately after exercising and playing sports.
  • Wash hands immediately after petting dogs and cats.
  • Treat infected pets immediately.
  • Avoid scratching infected skin.
  • Disinfect shoes and personal items. 

Those who live in humid environments or work in close contact with house animals are at higher risk of getting ringworm. 

Visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care for Ringworm Treatment

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: