Ringworm

goodtoknow says: Ringworm is a common fungal infection where you get round, reddish or grey scaly, itchy patches on your skin or small bald patches on your scalp. You pick ringworm up from animals, often from your own pet, or from other people. It's highly contagious so see your doctor who can prescribe antifungal cream or an oral treatment that should clear it up in around four weeks. Don't share towels or facecloths and throw out or disinfect combs or brushes if you have ringworm of the head. Don't worry, worms don't cause this at all!

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of ringworm from patient.co.uk, read on.

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Treatment with an antifungal cream usually works well.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. (It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungus germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair. This leaflet just deals with ringworm of the skin (sometimes called tinea corporis). Other leaflets deal with fungal infections of the scalp (scalp ringworm), foot (athlete's foot), groin (tinea cruris), and nails.

How can you catch ringworm?

From person to person via touching an infected person, sharing towels, etc.
From animals. Some dogs, cats, and other pets have fungal infections on their skin. They can pass on the infection, especially to children. (Animals can be treated too if you suspect a pet is the cause. See your vet.) Farm animals can also be a source. Touching a farm gate where infected animals pass through may be enough to infect your skin.
Fungi are common and an infection may occur 'out of the blue'.

- Next: Ringworm treatment

More help and advice

- Expert advice on treating ringworm
- Tips on ringworm
- 'How cream cleared up my ringworm fast'
- More info on skin disorders

Ringworm treatment

What does the ringworm rash look like?

A small area of infected skin tends to spread outwards. It typically develops into a circular, red, inflamed patch of skin. The outer edge is more inflamed and scaly than the paler centre. So, it often looks like a ring that becomes gradually larger. Sometimes only one patch of infection occurs. Sometimes several patches occur over the body, particularly if you catch the infection from handling an infected animal.
The rash may be mildly irritating, but sometimes it is very itchy and inflamed. The rash may vary depending on which type of fungus causes the infection. Sometimes fungal skin infections look similar to other skin rashes such as psoriasis.

What is the treatment for ringworm?

You can buy an antifungal cream from pharmacies, or get one on prescription. There are various types and brands. For example; terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulconazole. These modern creams are good at clearing fungal skin infections.

Apply the cream to the surrounding 4-6 cm of normal skin in addition to the rash.
Apply for as long as advised. This varies between the different creams, so read the instructions carefully.

An antifungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the infection is widespread or severe. You do not need to stay off work or school once treatment has started. To prevent passing on the infection, dont share towels. Also, try not to scratch the rash as this may spread the fungus to other areas of your body.