What is Ringworm?

🔴 RINGWORM 🔴

🔵 What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus. It is a common and contagious skin infection that can spread easily through close contact.

You can develop ringworm through contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated object.

🔵 Types of Ringworm

Ringworm is known by different names depending on the part of the body affected. It can appear almost anywhere on the body. Types of ringworm infections include:

👉🏻 Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

This fungal infection causes itching between the toes and on the feet. The skin may become scaly, cracked, or develop blisters. Sometimes, there may also be an unpleasant odor from the feet.

👉🏻 Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

This condition causes redness and itching around the groin, upper thighs, or anal area. Some people may also develop blisters.

👉🏻 Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)

This causes scaly, itchy, red patches on the scalp. If left untreated, the affected area may become larger and can potentially result in permanent hair loss.

👉🏻 Ringworm of the Hand (Tinea Manuum)

Symptoms may include dry, cracked palms and ring-shaped patches on the hands.

👉🏻 Ringworm of the Beard (Tinea Barbae)

Ring-shaped lesions may appear on the neck, chin, and cheeks. The affected areas may become crusty or filled with pus.

👉🏻 Nail Ringworm / Fungal Nail Infection (Tinea Unguium / Onychomycosis)

The nails may become thickened, discolored, and deformed.

🔵 What Does Ringworm Look Like?

Ringworm usually begins as a flat, discolored patch. Depending on the skin tone, it may appear reddish or dark brown. The affected area typically develops a raised, scaly border, giving it a ring-like or circular appearance.

🔵 Who Can Get Ringworm?

Ringworm can affect people of all ages.

👉🏻 People with weakened immune systems.

👉🏻 People who sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis).

👉🏻 People who frequently use public bathrooms or communal facilities.

👉🏻 People who have close contact with animals infected with ringworm.

🔵 Is Ringworm a Common Condition?

Ringworm is a highly contagious condition. It can affect approximately 20%–25% of the world's population at some point.

🔵 What Are the Symptoms and Causes?

Symptoms usually appear 4–14 days after the skin comes into contact with the fungus that causes ringworm.

👉🏻 Circular or ring-shaped scaly patches.

👉🏻 Flat patches with raised, rounded borders.

👉🏻 Itching of the skin.

👉🏻 Hair loss or bald patches in the affected area.

🔵 What Causes Ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus. These types of fungi can naturally live on the skin, hair, and nails. However, when the environment is warm and moist, the fungi can begin to grow uncontrollably. The infection can occur when the skin comes into contact with ringworm-causing fungi present on another person's skin.

🔵 How Does Ringworm Spread?

Ringworm is a contagious infection. The fungus can live on the surface of the skin and spread in several ways, including:

👉🏻 Direct skin-to-skin contact with a person who has ringworm.

👉🏻 Contact with an infected dog, cat, livestock, or other animal.

👉🏻 Contact with contaminated surfaces, such as locker rooms or sweaty gym clothing.

👉🏻 Sharing items such as brushes, towels, or bed sheets belonging to an infected person.

👉🏻 Contact with contaminated soil.

🔵 How Can Ringworm Be Prevented?

Ringworm thrives in warm and moist environments. The fungus can survive on towels, clothing, bed sheets, and household surfaces for extended periods.

👉🏻 Change socks and underwear daily or more frequently if they become wet or dirty.

👉🏻 Shower immediately after participating in contact sports or exercising.

👉🏻 Wear appropriate footwear or protective footwear in swimming pools, public locker rooms, and communal bathrooms.

👉🏻 Dry your skin thoroughly after bathing, especially between your toes.

👉🏻 Avoid sharing towels, clothing, bed sheets, combs, or other personal hygiene items.

👉🏻 Wash clothing, sports equipment, bed sheets, and towels with hot water and appropriate cleaning products.

👉🏻 Disinfect surfaces using suitable disinfectants.

👉🏻 If your pets have a ringworm infection, seek appropriate treatment for them.

👉🏻 Wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals.

👉🏻 Having a weakened immune system or living in a warm, humid climate can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection.

✅ To help prevent and manage ringworm, maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness regularly. Ayurvedic medicine also offers various treatment approaches for skin conditions. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician for an appropriate assessment and treatment plan.

Dr. Ashen Samaraweera