Ringworm in Humans

Although the word worm is in the name, ringworm is not caused by a worm or any other kind of insect. It is a fungus infection. It can affect people or animals. The name ringworm comes from the tell-tale red ring that appears on the infected person’s skin.

Ringworm in humans can be seen as red circular rashes with healthy skin in the middle. The edges of the rashes are usually raised. It can affect any part of the body including the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp can be seen as a small pimple that becomes larger. You might also notice that the scalp develops rings of rashes much like the ones seen on other parts of the body. Scalp ringworm is most easily seen through the patches of temporary baldness. The hair becomes infected and brittle then breaks off. Ringworm can also be seen on people’s feet and is known as athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot does not show up with the same red ring rashes and it is easy to treat with over the counter medication. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread further throughout the body by scratching and contact with infested bedding or clothing.

The ways a person can get ringworm is direct contact with an infected person or animal. You can also get it from an object that an infected person or animal has come into contact with or even through the soil. It has an incubation period of 10 days meaning symptoms will develop 10 days after exposure. Your medical care provider will diagnose the fungus and can prescribe medication or antifungal cream. The cream is the most effective course of treatment. Apply the cream to the infected area twice a day depending on the cream. Cover the spot(s) with a band-aid or clothing. Make sure that you continue treatment for the entire length of time that you doctor suggests even if the rash has disappeared. You should also wash all of your bedding or any house hold fabric that has come into contact with the rash with bleach and hot water. Repeat the treatment if the uncovered rash comes into contact with you house hold items again. Avoid your rash coming into contact with any other pets or people.

The most effective way that ringworm is spread to other parts of your body is through itching. If you scratch your rash you can then touch or scratch another part of your body spreading the fungus. The ringworm rash is not painful but it is arguably one of the itchiest things you can get on your body. The itchiness will subside through treatment but you have to be strong until then. Even with treatment the itchiness will be at its highest between the third and fifth day that the rash is visible. After that the symptom will begin to subside.

When you are dealing with ringworm you need to be diligent. Stay on top of continuing with the cream for the full prescribed length of time and change the band-aid daily. Ringworm will linger if it is not treated correctly.