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🦠 What is Ringworm?

  • Ringworm (medical term: tinea corporis) is a fungal infection of the skin, not caused by a worm despite its name.
  • It gets its name from thering-shaped red rash that often appears on the skin.
  • The infection can affect the body, scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), or nails.

⚠️ Causes of Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by

dermatophyte fungi, mainly:

  • Trichophyton
  • Microsporum
  • Epidermophyton

These fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.

Risk factors:

  • Warm, humid environment (sweating, tropical climates)
  • Poor hygiene or prolonged damp clothing
  • Sharing personal items (towels, razors, clothes)
  • Close contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated surfaces
  • Weak immune system

🔍 Symptoms of Ringworm

  1. Skin symptoms:
    • Red, circular, ring-like rash with clearer skin in the center
    • Itching, burning, or discomfort
    • Raised edges with scaling or cracking
    • Sometimes blisters or oozing
  2. Scalp symptoms (tinea capitis):
    • Itchy patches on the head
    • Hair loss in round spots
    • Possible swelling or pus-filled sores
  3. Nail symptoms (onychomycosis):
    • Thickened, brittle, discolored nails
    • Nails may crumble or separate from the nail bed

 How to Treat and Manage Ringworm

1. Self-care and hygiene:

  • Keep skin clean and dry
  • Avoid tight clothing that traps sweat
  • Do not scratch the rash (it can spread)
  • Wash clothes, towels, and bedding regularly

2. Medications:

  • Topical antifungal creams/ointments: clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole
  • Oral antifungal medications (for severe or widespread cases): terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole
  • Anti-itch creams (hydrocortisone) may help with irritation but should only be used if prescribed with antifungal treatment (steroids alone can worsen the infection)

⏳ What Happens if Ringworm is Left Untreated?

  • The infection may spread to other areas of the body
  • Chronic or recurring infection that is harder to treat
  • Permanent scarring or hair loss(especially with scalp infections) 
  • Secondary bacterial infections if scratching breaks the skin
  • Discomfort and reduced quality of life due to itching and visible rashes

🔄 Can Ringworm Spread to Others?

✅ Yes. Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
  • Contact with infected animals (cats, dogs, cattle, etc.)
  • Contaminated objects (clothes, towels, combs, gym equipment)
  • Damp surfaces (locker rooms, showers, swimming pools)

✅ Summary

  • Ringworm is a contagious fungal skin infection causing red, itchy, ring-shaped rashes.
  • Causes: dermatophyte fungi, thrives in warm and humid environments.
  • Symptoms: itchy circular rash, hair loss, thickened nails.
  • Treatment: antifungal creams or oral medications, along with good hygiene.
  • If untreated: infection can spread, cause scarring, hair loss, or secondary infections.
  • It is contagious, so avoiding sharing items and maintaining hygiene is essential.