Ringworm what does it do

It's usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved. Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot tinea pedis , jock itch tinea cruris and ringworm of the scalp tinea capitis.

Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks.

Talk to your doctor if you have a rash that doesn't begin to improve within two weeks of using an over-the-counter antifungal product. You may need prescription medication. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin. It can be spread in the following ways:. A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. Ringworm on the skin starts as a red, scaly patch or bump.

Over time, it may look like one or more rings with raised, bumpy, scaly borders the center is often clear. This ring pattern gave ringworm its name, but not every infected person has it.

The skin may flake, peel, or crack, and it can itch, sting, burn, or feel uncomfortable. Ringworm on the scalp may start as a small sore that looks like a pimple before becoming patchy, flaky, or scaly. These flakes may look like dandruff. It can make some hair fall out or break into stubble, leaving a bald spot.

It also can make the scalp swollen, tender, and red. Sometimes, it causes a pus-filled mass known as a kerion. When the scalp is infected, it can cause swollen lymph nodes at the back of the head or neck. Ringworm on the nails may affect one or more nails on the hands or feet. The nails may become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle. Ringworm is caused by fungi that normally live on the skin, hair, and nails called dermatophytes pronounced: der-MAH-tuh-fites.

When the environment they live in gets warm and moist, they grow out of control and start to cause symptoms. Besides spreading from person to person, ringworm can come from pets or other animals usually cats, dogs, or rodents. If you feel your child has ringworm, contact their pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may involve an antifungal cream. During treatment, be sure to keep the child clean and dry and wash all clothes, bed sheets and towels every day.

Proper hand washing and skin care is important in preventing ringworm. Remind your child to wash their hand frequently with running water, soap and plenty of friction. Other ways to prevent ringworm:. The information in this blog post can help protect you and your family from ringworm and promote skin health.

Our skin is our biggest organ and our best protection! Health and Safety Tips. What is ringworm? What are ringworm signs and symptoms? Other ways it can spread include: Pets, especially cats and dogs—your child can actually give your pet ringworm, and vice versa. Playing in soil. What are the types of ringworm? There are five types of ringworm: Tinea barbea, which is found on the bearded area of the face in adolescent and adult males.

Page last reviewed: 26 October Next review due: 26 October Check if it's ringworm The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.

The rash is usually ring-shaped, but it may look different on your face, neck or scalp. A table of possible causes of symptoms.