Ringworm In Humans: What You Need To Know

Collaborative Post¦ There are so many different issues that can cause our skin to flare up, rash, and blister. As a parent, you will want to make sure that you are doing everything that you can to ensure that you and your children do not contract these conditions and that you can identify them as quickly as possible should they arise. One of the more common skin issues is ringworm. We know the name is pretty alarming, but here is what you need to know.

What Is Ringworm?

The name ringworm is slightly misleading. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, and there are no worms involved at all. Often found (and caught from) pets, it’s called ringworm because the rash that it causes is circular and ring-like. Ringworm is highly transmissible, and it can be found on different parts of the body, including your scalp, your body, your groin, your nail beds, and in men’s beards. It can also affect feet, which is known as athlete’s foot.

How Do People Catch Ringworm?

Sadly, ringworm can be caught incredibly easily. The fungus that causes this condition is called dermatophytes, and they are drawn to the keratin that is in the parts of the body that we listed above. Dermatophytes are tiny, microscopic even, and they can live for months. It is very common for ringworm to be caught by skin-to-skin contact, and you can also catch it from an animal that has ringworm (which is one reason why you need to worm your pets). Because the fungal spores can live on objects, you can catch ringworm from surfaces or objects that someone with ringworm has handled. Bedding, towels, clothing, and brushes can all carry ringworm.

How Do I Know If It’s Ringworm?

The rash caused by ringworm will normally present in a ring shape, but the specifics may vary depending on the affected area. It may be easier to spot a red, itchy, and inflamed ring on your torso, but if you are suffering from scalp ringworm, you will need to watch for painful or scaly patches of skin, or hair loss around the sore area. Flaky skin and itchiness are also signs of groin ringworm, and you will notice that the symptoms become more severe when you exercise.

What Do I Do To Stop Ringworm?

If you think that someone in your household has ringworm, then talk to your doctor. The most common treatment is an anti-fungal cream, and oral medication may also be prescribed. If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, then you will need to clean the surfaces that they have been on as soon as possible once you have taken it to the vet for treatment. Washing your hands with soap on a regular basis is always a good idea, and you should try to avoid sharing items such as towels, hairbrushes, linen, and shoes. Walking through the house in bare feet when a pet has had ringworm is also a bad idea.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.

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