Do You Know How To Prevent, Recognize And Cure Ringworm?

While the name implies otherwise, ringworm is a fungus infection, not a worm. These fungi reside and multiply in the top layer of the epidermis. Highly contagious in nature, people and pets can infect each other and cross species in very diverse manners. Contact with an infected person or animal is by far the most common mode of transmission. Incubation period is about 10 days so the person or animal infected will be asymptomatic until 10 days post exposure. Other modes of transmission include contact with objects that the infected person or animal came in contact with also. Such objects include beddings, combs, shoes, clothing, etc. Contact with soil that came in contact with the infected person or animal can also transmit the fungus though this is possibility is remote. Moreover, transmission in this manner tends to affect animals more than people.

In humans, ringworm appears as a red and round rash on the skin. It is circular, like a donut, with skin that is healthy in appearance, in the middle. It generally has crusty and raised edges. The “ring” appearance which the rash takes is what gave rise to the name ringworm. It can infect all parts of the body. Ringworm, by the way, includes some commonly known fungal infections such as jock itch and athletes foot. From its name, jock itch usually appears as a red and itchy rash within the folds of skin in the groin area. On the other hand, athletes foot usually appears on the feet, as dry, thick and scaly skin either between the toes or at the bottom of the feet. Ringworm of the hand resembles athletes foot and additionally, the skin between fingers may contain moisture and possess open sores.

Treating ringworm is not hard with a number of people preferring to treat the problem at the onset, with over-the-counter anti-fungus preparations. While effective at treating some types of ringworm, the other forms may require stronger preparations that will require prescription by a physician. It is important to avoid scratching even in the face of the extreme itchiness that characterizes this infection. The reason for this is that scratching is by far, the best way to spread the fungus, either on the host or to other persons, animals or objects. Because of its highly contagious nature, objects including fabrics that have come in contact with the ringworm rash must be disinfected using bleach and hot water.

When using public showers and gyms, you must wear footwear and avoid touching the walls in order to minimize the risk of spreading infection to other people. Despite the fact that fungi prefer warm and moist surroundings, you must make it a point to cover the rash to avoid infecting others.

Preventive measures are not foolproof since some pets or people may be infected but show no overt signs yet. So the best practices to prevent infection would revolve around assuming that these fungi are widespread so that you will always be conscious of staying away from contact with bare floors and public areas. Avoiding the use and sharing of towels and other personal stuff is always a good practice. And if you must walk on mats in your bare feet such as in a gym, ensure that these are disinfected on a regular basis. But realize, despite your best efforts, you may end up infected with ringworm anyway. Keep in mind that your quick cure will depend on your diligence in following the doctor’s recommendations since being lax in this area is the single biggest reason why ringworm infections in others take so long to cure. Armed with all this information, you will be well positioned to remain ringworm-free.