Ringworm and other fungal infections

Ringworm and other fungal infections

Overview

You might be surprised to learn that a fungus — and not a worm — causes ringworm. Fungi thrive in warm and humid areas such as locker rooms and public showers. This common and contagious skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque (a type of scaly rash). It spreads easily and through close contact.

You get ringworm from contact with an infected person, animal or object. Ringworm goes by different names depending on which body part it affects. 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. Ringworm infections include:

Athlete’s foot: Also called tinea pedis, this fungal infection causes an itchy, burning skin rash between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Your skin may become scaly and cracked or develop blisters. Sometimes, your feet smell bad.

Jock itch: Tinea cruris, or jock itch, causes a red, itchy rash in your groin, upper thighs or rectum. Some people get blisters.

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This causes scaly, red, itchy bald spots on your scalp. If left untreated, the bald spots can grow bigger and become permanent.

Hands (tinea manuum): Signs of ringworm on your hands include dry, cracked palms and ring-like patches.

Beard (tinea barbae): Ringworm appears on your neck, chin and cheeks. The patches might become crusted over or filled with pus.

Toenails or fingernails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis): Nails become thick, discolored and deformed.

Who gets ringworm?

Ringworm affects people of all ages. You’re more at risk for ringworm if you:

Have a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disease like lupus.

Participate in high-contact sports, such as wrestling (this ringworm is called tinea gladiatorum).

Sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis).

Use public locker rooms or public showers.

Work closely with animals that might have ringworm.

Symptoms

Signs typically appear between four and 14 days after your skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, including:

Circular, ring-shaped scales or plaques.

Flat patches with a raised, round border.

Itchy skin.

Hair loss or bald spots in the affected area.

Causes

Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm. This type of fungus naturally lives on your skin, hair and nails. However, when their environment gets hot and damp, the fungi start growing uncontrollably. You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone else’s skin.

How contagious is ringworm?

Ringworm is contagious. It can live on your skin, on surfaces and in soil. The main ways ringworm spreads are:

Skin-to-skin contact with a person who has ringworm.

Contact with an infected dog, cat or animal (livestock or pets).

Contact with a contaminated surface, such as a locker room floor or sweaty gym clothes.

Sharing objects with an infected person or animal such as a brush, towel or bedding.

Contaminated soil.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider can diagnose ringworm by looking at your skin and assessing your symptoms. They may scrape the area to look at the skin cells under a microscope, too. Examining the scales typically confirms ringworm.

Treatment

Several nonprescription (over-the-counter) and prescription antifungal medications are available to treat ringworm. Antifungals come in various forms like creams, gels or powders. Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication.

Antifungal creams and powders

Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. OTC products include:

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin® or Mycelex®).

Miconazole (Desenex®).

Terbinafine (Lamisil AT®).

Tolnaftate (Tinactin®).

If your symptoms get worse or don’t clear after two weeks, you may need an oral prescription medication from your healthcare provider.

Oral medication

Your healthcare provider may write you a prescription for oral antifungal medication if you have ringworm on your scalp or on many parts of your body. Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months. Oral antifungal medications include:

Fluconazole (Diflucan®).

Griseofulvin (Griasctin®).

Itraconazole (Sporanox®).

Terbinafine (Lamisil®).

Antifungal shampoo

Antifungal shampoo, such as ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral A-D®), may stop scalp ringworm from spreading. It won’t cure it, but it may help contain the infection. You also need to take a prescribed oral antifungal medication. Unaffected family members may benefit from using the shampoo as well.

Home remedies for ringworm

Home remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree have little to no benefit. Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties but its effects aren’t well-known.

Your home may require treatment as well. The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months. Disinfectant sprays like Lysol® or bleach can remove the fungus. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading.

Steroid creams

Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm. In fact, they may worsen the infection.

Type of Doctor Department : A dermatologist