What is Ringworm

The term ringworm is often mistaken as a condition caused by some kind of worm and still, there are many people, who do not have any idea about what is ringworm. In fact, ringworm is not a worm, but a contagious fungal skin infection that can affect different parts of the body. Ringworm is technically termed as tenia.

While, tinea capitis denotes scalp ringworm infection, tinea pedis (athlete's foot) refers to infection of the foot. Such infections on the groin region are termed as tinea cruris (jock itch) and on the trunk, arms and legs, it is referred as tinea corporis. There are some more types like, tinea unguium (on the nails), tinea barbae (on facial hair), tinea faciei (on the face), etc. Next, let us take a look at the various aspects of ringworm infection.

What is Ringworm Caused By?

In some types of ringworm infection, round ring-like patches are formed on the skin. This may be one of the reasons for the name ringworm infection. But these round patches are not common for all types. Ringworm infection is caused by skin fungi that are otherwise known as dermatophytes. While some of these fungi are present on the human skin and cause fungal infection, when conditions become favorable for them to spread, other types of fungi that cause ringworm infection are found on the body of animals or on soil.

How do you get ringworm? This is one of the common queries regarding the condition. Basically, ringworm spreads from humans to humans or from animals to humans, by direct contact with an infected person or an animal. Ringworm can also spread from soil to humans. Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin infection that can spread from the affected person to others. You can prevent this by refraining from using the personal items of the affected person like, comb, clothes, hat, towel, bed linen, etc. Skin to skin contact with infected people or pets or contact with contaminated surfaces are found to be the main causes of ringworm. Now, you know what is ringworm and what causes it. The next paragraph will provide you with some information about ringworm treatment.

How do You Get Rid of Ringworm?

The symptoms of ringworm vary with the location. As mentioned above, ring-like patches are seen in some types of infection, whereas others cause severe itching, scaling, inflammation and redness of the area. Ringworm infection can be identified by a doctor on physical examination, but, he/she may recommend a microscopic or culture test of the skin scrapings from the affected location. Ringworm treatment for humans is usually done with topical anti fungal creams, but, in case of severe and stubborn infections, even oral medications (anti fungal) are used. Sometimes, the infection may clear up without any treatment. If the symptoms subside with topical anti fungal creams, you have to continue using it for some time, so as to avoid recurrence of the symptoms. If left untreated, severe infections may cause cracking of the skin and sometimes bacterial infections too. For deep abscesses, drainage has to be facilitated through surgical methods. If there is bacterial infection, then antibiotics are also used.

Now, you have a basic understanding about what is ringworm and how do you get rid of it. It is always better to prevent the occurrence of this condition, by avoiding sharing personal items and refraining from skin contact with infected people.