The Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) that is a fungal infection that causes a rash. It usually appears as an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the centre. Ringworm gets its name from the way it looks. There is no worm involved.
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm of the scalp are all related to ringworm of the body (tinea capitis). Ringworm is frequently transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.
Mild ringworm frequently responds to topical antifungal medications. You may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks if you have a more severe infection.
Types of Ringworm
Ringworm is known by various names depending on where it appears on your body. Infections caused by ringworm include:
- Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that causes a rash between your toes and on the soles of your feet. Your skin may become scaly and cracked, or blisters may form. Your feet can stink at times.
- Tinea cruris, also known as jock itch, is characterised by a red, itchy rash in the groyne, upper thighs, or rectum. Some people develop blisters.
- Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, affects children more than adults. It causes bald spots on the scalp that are scaly, red, and itchy. If left untreated, bald spots can spread and become permanent.
Causes of Ringworms
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by mold-like parasites that live on the cells in your skin’s outer layer. They have been transmitted in the following ways:
- Human to human communication. Ringworm is frequently spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
- Human to animal. Ringworm can be contracted by touching a ringworm-infected animal. While petting or grooming dogs or cats, ringworm can spread. Their are also quite common in cows.
- Human to object. Ringworm can spread through contact with objects or surfaces that have recently been touched or rubbed against by an infected person or animal, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
- From soil to human. Ringworm can be transmitted to humans in rare cases through contact with infected soil. Only prolonged contact with highly infected soil would most likely result in infection.
Symptoms of Ringworm
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of ringworm:
- A scaly ring-shaped area that can be found on the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs.
- Itchiness
- Inside the ring, a clear or scaly area with a scattering of bumps ranging in colour from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown, or grey on black and brown skin.
- Rings that are slightly raised and expand
- Itchy skin in the form of a round, flat patch
- Rings that overlap
Prevention from Ringworm
Ringworm is difficult to keep at bay. It is caused by a common fungus, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take the following precautions to reduce your risk of ringworm:
- Educate yourself as well as others. Be aware of the possibility of ringworm transmission from infected people or pets. Inform your children about ringworm, including what to look out for and how to avoid infection.
- Maintain a clean environment. Wash your hands frequently. Keep common areas clean, particularly in schools, child care centres, gyms, and locker rooms. Shower immediately after practise or a match if you participate in contact sports, and keep your uniform and equipment clean.
- Keep cool and dry. In hot, humid weather, avoid wearing heavy clothing for extended periods of time. Excessive sweating should be avoided.
- Stay away from infected animals. The infection frequently appears as a patch of skin with no fur. If you have pets or other animals, have them checked for ringworm by a veterinarian.
- Personal items should not be shared. Allow others to use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports equipment, or other personal items. Also, do not borrow such items.
Risk factors
If you have ringworm of the body, you are more likely to get it if you:
- You should live in a warm climate.
- There are make direct contact with an are the infected person or a animal.
- Sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with someone who has a fungal infection is not a good idea.
- Wrestling, for example, is a sport that involves skin-to-skin contact.
- They are wear clothing that is too tight or the restrictive.
- You have a weakened immune system.
How to distinguish between Ringworm and Eczema?
Ringworm is distinguished by its round shape and the presence of a defined edge, whereas eczema can vary in shape and size. Ringworm is also itchy, whereas eczema is not always itchy. Finally, ringworm has small black dots in the centre of the ring, whereas eczema does not.
Conclusion
The Ringworm of the body that is a fungal infection that causes a rash. Athlete’s foot , jock itch , and ringworm of the scalp are all related to ringworm of the body. Ringworm is frequently transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. A scaly ring-shaped area that can be found on the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs, that is ringworm. Due to ringworms there is Itchiness Inside the ring, a clear or scaly area with a scattering of bumps ranging in colour from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown, or grey on black and brown skin. Rings that are slightly raised and expand Itchy skin in the form of a round, flat patch Rings that overlap. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by mold-like parasites that live on the cells in your skin’s outer layer. Ringworm is frequently spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.