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what type of infection is ringworm

by Darrell Lang Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Ringworm is a common infection of the skin and nails that is caused by fungus. The infection is called “ringworm” because it can cause an itchy, red, circular rash. Ringworm is also called “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” The different types of ringworm are usually named for the location of the infection on the body.

How can you tell if you have ringworm?

What are the signs and symptoms of ringworm?

  • Feet with ringworm infection (athlete's foot) Signs of a ringworm infection on the feet can be indicated by itching, burning, and stinging on your soles and between your toes.
  • Hand with ringworm infection. ...
  • Nails with ringworm infection. ...

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Is ringworm a serious infection?

Typically, ringworm isn&apost serious, but it does have possible related complications that could be. While suffering from ringworm, you're more at risk for secondary bacterial infections or other skin disorders. Generally, you should seek medical attention if your ringworm seems to be getting worse and if you notice signs of infection such as ...

What infections can ringworm lead to?

Ringworm is limited to skin, hair, and nail infections. Candida is a yeast that can affect many areas of the body, including skin as well. If ringworm recurs, a low immune system or unhealthy lifestyle may contribute to the chronic infections. An underlying cause such as a candida infection is another consideration.

How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated?

Ringworm remains contagious as long as it is left untreated. If the treatment begins at the right time, it won’t be contagious in anywhere between 24-48 hours. Even before the onset of any symptom, ringworm can still be contagious during the incubation period. Within the initial 48 hours of treatment, your lesions should start disappearing ...

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Is ringworm a bacterial infection?

Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It's called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy.

Is ringworm a bacteria fungi or virus?

Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It's not caused by worms. You can usually buy medicine from a pharmacy to treat it.

Is ringworm a yeast infection?

No. Ringworm is a fungal infection and Candida is a family of fungi species that cause an infection called candidiasis. Ringworm and candidiasis are both fungal infections, but they are caused by different types of fungi.

What is the main cause of ringworm?

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: Human to human. Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Why do people get ringworm?

People can get ringworm after touching an animal that has ringworm. Many different kinds of animals can spread ringworm to people, including dogs and cats, especially kittens and puppies. Other animals, like cows, goats, pigs, and horses can also spread ringworm to people.

Is ringworm caused from being dirty?

Ringworm is an infection on the surface of the skin that is caused by a fungus. It is common in children but can also occur in adults. It is usually passed by direct skin contact with another person who has ringworm or by touching a contaminated surface such as dirty clothing or towels.

What cures ringworm fast?

Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package.

Should I cover my ringworm when I sleep?

Let it breathe. It may seem logical to keep ringworm covered with a bandage to prevent spreading the infection. However, bandaging the rash locks in moisture and slows the healing process. Instead, wear comfortable, breathable clothes to speed healing and avoid spreading the rash to other people.

What cures ringworm fast?

Over-the-counter antifungals can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package.

What are 3 symptoms of ringworm?

Symptoms of Ringworm Infections Itchy skin. Ring-shaped rash. Red, scaly, cracked skin. Hair loss.

How do I stop ringworm from spreading?

Don't walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers. Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day. Don't share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.

Does ringworm go away?

Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.

Overview

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
A highly contagious common fungal skin infection that causes a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin or scalp.
How common is condition?
Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
Is condition treatable?
Treatable by a medical professional
Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
Often requires lab test or imaging
Time taken for recovery
Can last several weeks or months
How is condition transmitted?
Transmitted through direct contact
Condition Image

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

  • Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. 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)...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include: 1. A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs 2. Itchiness 3. A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin 4. Slightly raised, expanding rings 5. A round, flat patch of itchy skin 6. …
See more on mayoclinic.org

1.Ringworm | Types of Diseases | Fungal Diseases | CDC

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/index.html

8 hours ago  · Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy. Anyone can get ringworm. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.

2.Ringworm: Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment, Diagnosis

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/ringworm

27 hours ago Ringworm is a common infection of the skin and nails that is caused by fungus. The infection is called “ringworm” because it can cause an itchy, red, circular rash. Ringworm is also called “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.”. The different types of ringworm are usually named for the location of the infection on the body.

3.About Ringworm | Ringworm | Types of Diseases | Fungal …

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/definition.html

2 hours ago The most common types of ringworm include the following: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). This common condition mostly affects teen and adult males. It affects children before puberty less often. Contributing ... Whitening of the skin between …

4.Tinea Infections (Ringworm) | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Url:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tinea-infections-ringworm

11 hours ago  · Lifestyle and home remedies. For a mild case of ringworm, try these self-care tips. Keep the affected area clean and dry. Apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream or ointment such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or terbinafine (Lamisil AT) as …

5.Symptoms of Ringworm| Ringworm | Types of Diseases

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/symptoms.html

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6.Ringworm Risk & Prevention | Ringworm | Types of …

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/risk-prevention.html

24 hours ago

7.How Ringworm Spreads | Ringworm | Types of Diseases

Url:https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/sources.html

16 hours ago

8.Ringworm: Signs and symptoms - American Academy of …

Url:https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/ringworm-symptoms

36 hours ago

9.Ringworm (body) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353786

18 hours ago

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