Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that affects several areas of the body at once including the scalp, body, feet, causing athlete's foot; and groin, causing jock itch. Appearing as a ringed patch of red skin, with a blanched center, ringworm is a highly contagious skin condition that primarily affects children, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center.
Cause
A fungus, not a worm, causes ringworm. Bacteria and fungus grow naturally on the skin; however, if one type proliferates too much, an infection can occur. Ringworm is very contagious and is spread through skin-to-skin contact or by touching infected brushes, clothing, shower stalls or other surfaces. Cats are also carriers of the fungus and they can spread the infection, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Appearance
Ringworm is characterized by red, itchy, raised, scaly areas of skin that can blister and leak fluid. The red patches have distinct edges and appear in a circular pattern, usually with a dark red rim and a blanched, white center. The infection will cause bald patches if situated in the scalp or beard. Ringworm of the nails will cause discoloration, cracking and thickening, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Diagnosis
A ringworm infection is distinct; therefore, physicians can diagnosis purely on the appearance of the infection. However, in some instances a physician may scrape the skin and test the culture for the ringworm fungus, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Treatment
The ringworm fungus is a naturally occurring fungal growth on the skin; therefore, a reoccurrence of the infection is possible. Several treatments may be required. To treat infection on the skin, body or groin, topical anti-fungal ointment medications are used such as tolnaftate, miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole, butenafine or naftifine, for four weeks. To treat ringworm of the scalp, oral anti-fungal medications are prescribed for four to eight weeks, or a special shampoo is applied. For sore ulcerated blisters, corticosteroids are prescribed to decrease inflammation, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Prevention
To prevent a ringworm infection, do not share grooming implements such as brushes or make-up sponges; wear flip-flops in the gym locker room; avoid skin-to-skin contact with infected persons; wear moister-wicking clothing while working out. Avoid scratching a ringworm infection, as this may cause spreading and clean moist body areas dry and clean, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center.
