What is ringworm?

Anyone can get Ringworm. Scalp Ringworm often strikes young children; outbreaks have been recognized in schools, day-care centers, and nurseries. Young athletes are at risk for scalp Ringworm, Ringworm of the body, and foot Ringworm; there have been outbreaks among school football and swimming teams. Children with young pets are at increased risk for Ringworm of the body.

Causes of ringworm 

As stated earlier ringworm is caused by fungus and not worms. We each have a number of fungi on our bodies. Some of these are good and help us. Others are not so good. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows on our bodies and leads to the infection.

Ringworm is contagious and is passed by direct skin contact with an infected person or animal. It can also be passed by the use of shared combs and clothing, showers and pools. Ringworm can also be passed by animals, especially cats. Ringworm thrives in warm moist areas such as locker rooms, pool areas, skin folds etc. and care must be taken where you sweat.

Scalp Ringworm usually appears 10 to 14 days after contact, and Ringworm of the skin 4 to 10 days after contact. The time between exposure and symptoms is not known for other types of Ringworm.

Symptoms 

The symptoms of ringworm are

·          Red patches of skin that become itchy, scaly and blistered

·          The patches have defined sharp edges and are redder towards the outside of the patch. Often the centre is normal giving the impression of a ring. This “Ringworm”

·          Affected areas of the head will lose hair and show a bald spot. Including beards.

·          Where it affects the nails they become discoloured, thick and crumbly

Click Here to eliminate ringworm in less than one week

Diagnosis 

Ringworm is relatively easy to diagnose and treat. The sooner treatment begins the less severe the condition is likely to be. A doctor will usually recognise the infection immediately. Your doctor could also detect the fungus by using a device known as a “Wood’s lamp”.   This shows up the fungus when it shines on it. In severe cases the doctor will take a scraping of the fungus and have it analysed at a lab.

Treatment 

The condition is usually treated by

·          Keeping the area and surrounding areas clean and dry

·          The use of anti fungal powders and creams and tablets

·          Washing clothes, sheets and nightclothes daily

·          Never scratch the affected area/s as this can lead to infections and other complications

Prevention 

Ringworm can be prevented by observing ALL of the following

·          Keep yourself clean and dry. Especially those sweaty areas of your body.

·          Do not share combs, unwashed clothes, towels etc.

·          Wash hair regularly

·          Never touch a pet that has bald spots

·          Have pets treated

·          ALWAYS wear sandals at the gym, pool etc.