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Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection that causes a rash. It usually appears as an itchy, circular rash with cleaner skin in the center. Ringworm gets its name from the way it looks. There is no worm involved.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and scalp ringworm are all connected to ringworm (tinea capitis). Ringworm is frequently transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.
Mild ringworm frequently responds to topical antifungal medicines. For more serious infections, antifungal medications may be required for several weeks.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF RINGWORM?
When you first take up the fungus, you will not notice ringworm. It may take up to two weeks before you notice any symptoms. You may encounter the following stages:
- First stage: You may see a darkened, inflamed area of skin during this stage. Sometimes it just looks very dry and scaly, not like ringworm.
- The second stage: The lesion will begin to develop in size during this stage. The rash's center may resemble healthy skin, with a scaly area surrounding it.
Because ringworm is extremely contagious, you should begin treatment as soon as you see symptoms. If you don't, it will likely spread and expand.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RINGWORM?
Ringworm symptoms and signs may include:
- A scaly ring-shaped area, most commonly found on the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs.
- Itchiness
- Inside the ring, a transparent or scaly area with a scattering of bumps ranging in color from red on white skin to reddish, purple, brown, or gray on black and brown skin.
- Expanding, slightly elevated rings
- A flat, round patch of itching skin
- Overlapping rings
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF RINGWORM?
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by mold-like parasites that dwell on the cells of your skin's outer layer. It can be transmitted in the following ways:
- From human to human: Ringworm is frequently transferred by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
- From animal to human: Ringworm can be contracted by touching an infected animal. While caressing or grooming dogs or cats, ringworm can spread. It is also rather frequent in cows.
- From object to human: Ringworm can spread by contact with objects or surfaces touched or rubbed against by an infected person or animal, such as clothing, towels, beds and linens, combs, and brushes.
- From soil to human: Ringworm can be transmitted to people in rare situations by contact with infected soil. Only prolonged contact with highly infested soil would most likely result in infection.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR RINGWORM?
You are more likely to get ringworm of the body if you:
- Live in a warm climate.
- Make direct touch with an infected person or animal
- Give someone with a fungal infection your clothing, blankets, or towels.
- Participate in skin-to-skin contact sports such as wrestling.
- Wear clothes that is too tight or confining.
- Have a compromised immune system
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF RINGWORM?
A fungal infection seldom penetrates under the skin's surface to cause significant sickness. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may have a more difficult time overcoming the infection.
HOW IS RINGWORM DIAGNOSED?
Ringworm will be diagnosed by your doctor after checking your skin and maybe using a black light to inspect the infected area. It may fluoresce (glow) under black light depending on the type of fungus.
Your doctor may order the following tests to confirm a ringworm diagnosis:
- If you have a skin biopsy or a fungal culture, your doctor will take a sample of your skin or blister discharge and send it to a lab to be tested for the presence of fungus.
- A KOH exam involves your doctor scraping a tiny piece of damaged skin onto a slide and applying drops of a liquid called potassium hydroxide (KOH) to it. The KOH disintegrates normal skin cells, allowing the fungal components to be seen more clearly under a microscope.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS OF RINGWORM?
To treat ringworm, your doctor may recommend both drugs and lifestyle changes.
Medications
Depending on the severity of your ringworm infection, your doctor may prescribe a variety of treatments.
Jock itch, athlete's foot, and body ringworm can all be treated with topical drugs such as antifungal:
- creams
- ointments
- gels
- sprays
Oral medicines may be used to treat some severe instances.
Ringworm of the scalp or nails may need the use of prescription-strength oral treatments like griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine.
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and antifungal skin lotions may also be recommended by your doctor. Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, and other similar chemicals may be present in these products.
HOME REMEDIES FOR RINGWORM
Before researchers invented antifungal medications, people utilized folk cures for ringworm for many years.
The majority of support for the use of these therapies is anecdotal. There is no scientific evidence to support their use over over-the-counter antifungals.
Among these treatments are:
- Apple cider vinegar: To cure ringworm, some people apply cotton balls soaked in apple cider vinegar to afflicted areas of skin three times per day.
- Coconut oil: Ringworm infections are reduced when people apply coconut oil to their skin. Apply coconut oil one to three times every day if you want to attempt this cure.
- Turmeric: To prepare an antifungal paste, combine turmeric, a common spice, and water. Allow to dry after applying the paste directly on your skin.
Changes in lifestyle
In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medications, your doctor may advise you to treat the infection at home by:
- Wash your linens and clothing on a daily basis to help keep your surroundings clean.
- After bathing, properly dry your skin.
- in vulnerable areas, wear loose clothing
- addressing all afflicted areas, as ignoring treating tinea pedis might lead to the return of tinea cruris
HOW CAN RINGWORM BE PREVENTED?
Ringworm is tough to control. It is caused by a common fungus, and the illness is spread even before symptoms develop. Take the following precautions to lower your risk of ringworm:
- Educate yourself as well as others: Be mindful of the possibility of ringworm transmission from sick persons or pets. Inform your children about ringworm, including what to look out for and how to avoid infection.
- Maintain cleanliness: Wash your hands frequently. Keep common spaces clean, particularly at schools, child care facilities, gyms, and locker rooms. If you play contact sports, shower immediately after practice or a game and keep your clothing and equipment clean.
- Keep cool and dry: In hot, humid weather, avoid wearing heavy apparel for extended periods of time. Avoid excessive perspiration.
- Stay away from sick animals: The illness frequently appears as a patch of skin with no fur. If you have pets or other animals, have them checked for ringworm by a veterinarian.
- Personal stuff should not be shared: Allow others to use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports equipment, or other personal belongings. Also, do not borrow such items.
CONCLUSION
Ringworm on your torso and limbs may be cleared up in 2 to 4 weeks using skin medicines.
If you have severe dermatophytosis that isn't responding to over-the-counter or home therapies, or if you suspect you have a tinea infection of your scalp or hair follicles, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to clean up the problem.
The majority of people respond favorably to treatment.