How Do You Get Ringworm

As the name wrongly suggests, ringworm rash is not caused by any worms, but, is a fungal infection of the skin. Apart from the skin, the nails and scalp may also get infected with ringworm. On the skin, this infection manifests itself with round patches with red border. It may be due to the ring-like patches that the condition got its name, but, it is not necessary that each and every person with this infection develop such patches.

Ringworm of the feet, commonly known as athlete's foot and ringworm of the groin (jock itch) are mainly characterized by scaly patches. It can be like red blisters on the scalp and in case of nails, ringworm infection can cause yellow discoloration and brittleness. Ringworm is contagious and is most commonly found in kids. Let us now take a look at how do you get ringworm rash.

How do You Get Ringworm Rash

Ringworm is one of the contagious fungal skin infection that is most commonly found to affect the groin, scalp, nails, feet and skin folds. Ringworm is caused by a fungus called tinea. This fungus may be found on soil, on the body of animals and humans. Ringworm in humans occurs mainly through direct skin to skin contact with infected people or animals, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. It has been observed that infected pet cats and dogs are one of the main causes for humans getting ringworm. Ringworm infection from soil is very rare.

Direct skin contact with infected pets and persons and contact with contaminated surfaces are the main cause for ringworm infection. Even personal items used by infected people, like, towels, combs, hats, brushes, bed lines can spread this infection. However, some people do not get infected, even if they get exposed to the fungus, while some others develop symptoms. The former category may act as carriers, who can spread the infection, without getting infected.

How do You Get Ringworm on the Scalp

Now, you have a basic idea about what causes ringworm of the face and other parts of the skin. In this case too, spread of infection is caused by direct skin contact, or through use of contaminated objects, like, comb, hat, brush, towel, pillows, bed linen, etc. In case of such exposure, you may or may not get infected, but, if you have any minor cuts or injury of the scalp, then, it is almost certain that you get infected with ringworm. Scalp ringworm is more common in kids. In case of adults, they produce sebum after puberty and this prevents the chances of scalp ringworm infection. Scalp ringworm is characterized by round or oval patches on the scalp. These patches can be red and itchy. Apart from that, hair loss may also occur on those patches. Even the lymph nodes of the neck may get inflamed, in those with scalp ringworm infection.

In short, ringworm infection is mainly caused by skin contact with infected people, pets and contaminated surfaces. This applies to almost all types of ringworm infection that occurs mainly on the groin, feet, nail, scalp, face, etc. It can cause red, itchy patches that can be scaly and crusty too. You may also wish to know about how do you get rid of ringworm. Anti fungal for ringworm rash is the most common treatment for this condition. It can be either for topical application or oral or a combination of both. Inadequate treatment may result in recurrent infection. Now that you know how do you get ringworm, you must prevent its occurrence by maintaining good hygiene. You can prevent this skin infection by minimizing skin contact with infected people and pets, avoiding sharing of personal items, and by ensuring proper treatment for the infected members in your family.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.