Ringworm Rash

Ringworm, which is medically referred to as Tinea, is a fungal infection that can affect several parts of your body. It can affect your face, scalp, arms, fingers, nails, groin region and feet. The symptoms of this fungal infection include the formation of small area of infected skin which starts spreading outwards and develops into a circular, flat rash on the skin. This inflamed patch on the skin is called a ringworm rash due to its ring-like appearance. The inflammation and redness is more pronounced on the outer edge than the center. Scroll down to find more information regarding the causes and symptoms of this fungal infection.

Symptoms of Tinea

Tinea could affect several parts of the body. The body ringworm or Tinea corporis generally causes a rash on arms, chest, stomach, legs or back. The outer edges of rashes are red and scaly and the center is pale. The symptoms of this fungal infection include itching, redness, inflammation and formation of small bumps. The rash on the face generally does not have as much inflammation on the outer edges. At times, the rash caused by this fungal infection on the hands might even be confused with eczema. These rashes could be seen on the fingers in the form of moist, open sores. Jock itch is one of the most common fungal infections that affects the groin. The rashes that appear on the skin folds in the groin or inner thigh region are accompanied by severe itching and redness.

Causes

This fungal infection is contagious. It can spread if one comes into contact with an infected person. It could spread by both direct and indirect contact. Generally the fungi responsible for causing the rash can be found in warm and moist regions, therefore, people suffering from the problem of excessive sweating might be more vulnerable. If you live in a farm or have pets, you need to take precautions. This is a contagious disease and it can spread through contact with infected animals. You might catch this infection while grooming your pet. The infection might also get transmitted if you touch the objects used by an infected person. Sharing things like towels, razors, bedding, clothes, combs and sports gear can also cause rashes. Those who are already suffering from skin disorders don't have a healthy outer layer of the skin, therefore, they are prone to developing such rashes if exposed to fungi.

Treatment

If you have any ring-like rashes on your skin, you must consult a dermatologist soon. Though the identification of this rash is not that difficult, doctors generally do a microscopic examination or a culture test of the skin scrapings in order to confirm if the rash is caused by this fungal infection or not. As far as the treatment is concerned, doctors generally recommend topical application of antifungal creams. Generally topical antifungal creams like miconazole, ketoconazole or clotrimazole might be prescribed but if these antifungal creams don't help, oral antifungal pills might be recommended by doctors.

You must consult a dermatologist as soon as the symptoms appear. If the infection is not treated soon, the skin might crack and you are at a risk of developing secondary bacterial infections. If that happens, you might also have to take antibiotics to treat these secondary infections. You must also pay attention to the preventive measures to avoid such outbreaks in future. Maintain proper hygiene and avoid direct contact with infected people. You must also avoid sharing towels, combs and clothes of an infected person. Since this fungus grows in warm and moist regions, keeping your skin clean and dry will also help. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms on your pet, avoid direct contact and consult a veterinarian soon.

So, this was some information on causes, symptoms and treatment of rashes caused by this fungal infection. If you notice any such rashes on your skin, consult a dermatologist soon.