No One Wants To Deal With a Case of Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection usually found on the scalp, around the nails, under the finger and toenails, or in the groin region. The fungus is transferred from person to person through touch or contact with contaminated items. Since ringworm is transmitted through touch, hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent it. Disinfecting surfaces daily can also help prevent the spread of dermatophytes (molds or fungi that cause ringworm).

Showering after working out and before going to sleep, changing clothes after a workout, wearing socks, and using gym bags that can be machine-washed will help reduce the spread of dermatophytes. You should also avoid sharing personal items such as combs or brushes when you have ringworm. Additionally, it would help if you tried not to come into contact with others who have ringworm.

Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm

The symptoms vary depending upon the location that it is found and the stage it's in. People with ringworm will often have a skin rash and itchiness on the infected area. The rash typically appears on the trunk or shoulders, but not necessarily. A red, scaly patch with an outline of a circle or ring may be found. As the infection progresses, this area will become thicker, and the edges may become raised.

The patient will also have a burning sensation and sensitivity when touching ringworm.

It is important to remember that some people can experience ringworm without experiencing any symptoms at all (asymptomatic). Each person's body reacts differently to the fungal infection. Ringworm commonly appears on body parts with more moisture, such as in the groin area and under nails.

Causes of Ringworm

This fungus is usually caused by the dermatophyte fungus or the "malassezia furfur" fungus. Both are common skin fungi found in most areas of the world (mostly on human skin). These fungi live in organic matter, including dead skin, hair, and fur. There are many different ways that ringworm can be spread. Some of these methods include;

• Human to human - Skin contact with an infected person or sharing personal items like combs, brushes, and towels. You risk contracting the infection by touching or scratching an infected person. Since it is highly contagious, wearing gloves when dealing with the infected person's belongings is very important.
• Animal to human - Contaminated pet bedding, hair brushes, combs, or animals can cause ringworm. Ringworm does not live long outside of a host, so if you come into contact with an infected animal, you should wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible. If you accidentally touch any contaminated items, remember to wash them thoroughly.
• Object to human - Infected objects, such as clothing, bedding, rugs, etc., can also spread the infection. Make sure to wash all contaminated items thoroughly before contact with others. Surfaces frequently touched by many people, like door handles, bathroom handles, and keyboards, can be cleaned using a disinfectant cleaner after a day.
• Outdoor environment - Since it is a fungus that lives in organic matter, outdoor places like lawns and trees are often contaminated with the ringworm fungus. Especially in soil, the spores of the ringworm fungus can survive for long periods. Since these fungal spores are airborne, small amounts of soil can quickly spread over a large area.

Getting Treatment

You may be prescribed different medicines depending on where it is and how nasty the infection is. If you have ringworm in private areas such as the groin area, your doctor may prescribe a medication that can be applied to the infected area. It is essential to apply for the medicine as directed by your doctor to prevent the infection from spreading and eliminate all of the fungi. Fungus fighting shampoos are typically used to treat ringworm on the scalp and work by disrupting the fungus' ability to produce new spores.

Apple cider vinegar is a bactericidal agent when mixed with water and applied to the infected area. The properties of ACV also reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process by accelerating the skin's cell regeneration process, thus decreasing scars.

With fungus removing and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is an effective way to treat ringworm. Since it has antimicrobial properties, you can use this substance to eliminate the fungus on your skin. You can apply a cotton ball or a Q-tip with undiluted tea tree essential oils.