Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that can affect people of all ages. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a type of fungus that thrives on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. In this article, we'll explore the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention tips for ringworm.

What Are the Symptoms of Ringworm?

The most common symptom of ringworm is a red, scaly patch on light skin or brown or gray patches on skin of color. Other symptoms may include:

• Itchy bumps that develop into ring- or circle-shaped patches

• Multiple rings or patches

• Clear or scaly skin inside the patch

• Slightly raised and bumpy outer edge of the patch

When ringworm affects the scalp, it may cause:

• Bumps or small sores on the scalp

• Flaky and scaly scalp

• Tender and sore scalp

• Patchy hair loss

How Do You Get Ringworm?

Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through various means, including:

• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person

• Contact with infected pets, especially while rubbing or grooming them

• Touching contaminated objects, such as clothes, towels, combs, and brushes

• Walking barefoot on infected soil

Diagnosing Ringworm

To confirm a ringworm diagnosis, your doctor may scrape some skin from the affected areas and examine it under a microscope. This helps differentiate ringworm from other skin conditions that may have similar appearances.

Treatment Options for Ringworm

The treatment for ringworm depends on its location and severity. In many cases, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, lotions, or powders, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and miconazole, can effectively treat ringworm on the skin. These topical treatments typically need to be applied for 2 to 4 weeks to ensure complete elimination of the fungus and reduce the risk of recurrence.

For more severe cases or ringworm affecting the scalp or multiple body parts, prescription medications may be necessary. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, consult your doctor.

Preventing Ringworm

Although the fungi that cause ringworm are widespread, you can take several steps to reduce your risk of infection and prevent its spread:

• Keep your skin clean and dry

• Wear flip-flops in locker rooms and public showers

• Change your socks and underwear daily

• Avoid sharing clothes or towels with someone who has ringworm

• Keep sports gear and uniforms clean and avoid sharing them with other players

• Wash your hands with soap and water after playing with pets

• Seek veterinary care if your pets have ringworm

For more information on ringworm, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), or Mayo Clinic websites.

If you suspect you have ringworm, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. With proper care and prevention measures, you can effectively manage and prevent the spread of this common fungal skin infection.