Ringworm is not a worm, as the name implies, is a skin infection caused by moldlike fungi that resides in the dead tissues of your skin, hair, nails, and scalp. When it affects your toes, people call it the "athlete's foot", when it spreads to your groin, it is called jock itching.
Ringworm: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diagnosis
What Are the Symptoms of Ringworm?
The telltale sign is a red, Bark Patch or Itchy Over time, the bump becomes a ring or circle-shaped patch. It can turn into several rings. The inside of the patch is usually clear or scaly. The outside might be slightly raised and bumpy. The ringworm on your scalp starts as a bump or a slight sore. It may look wavy and flaky, and your scalp may feel soft and sore. You may notice that your hair starts to fall out on the scars.
How Do You Get Ringworm?
Ringworm is highly contagious. You can catch it in any of the following ways:
- Ringworm often spreads by skin-to-skin contact, another person.
- From your pets, common in cows, wash your hands when you've finished with them.
- Spreads through objects, such as surfaces, clothes, towels, and in combs and brushes.
- From soil. If you work in soil that's infected with the fungus, you too are at risk of ringworm.
How Do I Know If I Have Ringworm?
There are a number of skin conditions that have similar symptoms, you have to see your doctor to be sure if your infection is ringworm. Your doctor will probably examine the dead skin on the itchy side with the help of a microscope.
What's the Treatments of Ringworm?
The treatment plan, medicine, and duration may vary, depends on the affected area and how bad it is. Usually doctors recommended an over-the-counter (OCT) medicine, which can get at the drugstore. Antifungal cream, lotion, or powder may work effectively if the ringworm is on your skin.
