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Check if it's ringworm. The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. It may look red or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy. Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch).
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Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:
•A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs
•Itchiness
•A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin
•Slightly raised, expanding rings
•A round, flat patch of itchy skin
Talk to your doctor if you have a rash that doesn't begin to improve within two weeks of using an over-the-counter antifungal product. You may need prescription medication.
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Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:
•Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
•Animal to human. You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats. It's also fairly common in cows.
•Object to human. It's possible for ringworm to spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
You're at higher risk of ringworm of the body if you:
•Live in a warm climate
•Have close contact with an infected person or animal
•Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
•Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
•Wear tight or restrictive clothing
A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. But people with weak immune systems, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm:
•Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell your children about ringworm, what to watch for and how to avoid infection.
•Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep shared areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, shower right after practice or a match and keep your uniform and gear clean.
•Stay cool and dry. Don't wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
•Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where fur is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to check them for ringworm.
•Don't share personal items. Don't let others use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports gear or other personal items. And don't borrow such things.
Dec 19, 2023 · Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that causes itchy, scaly, round patches on the skin and can be treated.
Ringworm on your body is called tinea corporis. This type of ringworm affects your arms, legs, torso and face. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication available either over the counter or as a prescription. Types of ringworm. Ringworm has different names based on where it appears on your body — and it can appear just about anywhere.
May 18, 2023 · Ringworm is a fungal skin infection caused by parasites that live on dead skin tissue. (It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungal germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair. Fungal infections are also known as 'jock itch', 'tinea', 'tinea infections', 'dermatophyte infections' or ...
Aug 27, 2024 · Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a ring shape on the skin and other symptoms. Treatment may vary by the part of the body affected but typically involves oral or topical antifungals.
Sep 2, 2024 · Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin. Ringworm commonly affects arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body. Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails.
