Ringworm…it’s not a real worm
Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus, not a worm. It occurs when the fungus grows and multiplies in warm, moist places on your body like the scalp, nails and skin. Ringworm is more likely to occur in wet or moist areas on the skin, like from sweating.
Ringworm is contagious and can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. Ringworm can also be passed through combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. It is also possible to get ringworm from your household pet.
The symptoms of ringworm are:
- Itchy, red, raised scaly patches in the shape of a ring (redder around the edges and normal skin color in the middle) that may blister and ooze
- Bald patches in your scalp or beard, if those areas are infected
- Discolored, thick and crumbling nails, if those areas are infected
Ringworm is self-treatable, and should resolve in about four weeks. WebMD suggests these tips for treating ringworm at home:
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Apply over-the-counter anti-fungal lotion or cream, like miconazole or clotrimazole.
- Wash sheets and clothes every day while infected.
- Contact your veterinarian for information on how to treat infected household pets.
If the ringworm infection does not resolve or moves to your scalp, contact your primary care physician because prescription anti-fungal medication may be required.
Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic on how to prevent ringworm:
- Keep skin and feet clean and dry.
- Shampoo regularly.
- Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear or other personal care items.
- Wear sandals or shoes at gyms, pools and in locker rooms.
- Avoid touching pets with bald spots.
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