Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Ringworm?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

It's red, scaly, itchy and looks like it has a red halo around it. Is it Lyme Disease? No, chances are, it's only ringworm.

Ringworm (tinea) is a very common fungal skin condition caused by dermatophytes. It is most common in children, but can affect anyone. It usually has nothing to do with personal hygiene or lack thereof.

Ringworm commonly affects children.
Ringworm commonly affects children.

Ringworm is common because it is so very contagious. A person can get it from direct contact with another person or a pet, or by touching something an infected person has touched. It is less commonly contracted from soil, but it can happen. Children tend to be affected most frequently, since they are usually in closer contact with each other than adults. The most common forms of the fungus in adults are probably athlete's foot and jock itch. Some people also have it under their nails.

Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.

Most people who have the fungus don't know where or how they got it. The infection appears 10 to 14 days after exposure, usually as a small, itchy pimple. It is usually ignored until it gets worse. In fact, it is the intense itching that often sends people to the doctor or drugstore for relief. If it progresses to the "halo" stage, the sufferer may think he or she has some horrible disease, but the comforting reality is that ringworm is generally easy to cure. Drugstores are full of over-the-counter remedies for it, athlete's foot and jock itch.

Ringworm is a very common skin condition, which can be treated using an anti-fungal spray.
Ringworm is a very common skin condition, which can be treated using an anti-fungal spray.

A sufferer should look for topical creams or sprays that have miconazole or clotrimazole as an active ingredient. These are both fungicides. Many products also have an itch reliever, but the sufferer may want to get something separate for the itching, as well. If symptoms persist for more than four weeks, a person should go to a physician. The doctor can prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication that will usually take care of the problem.

Ringworm can live in the moist floors of gym showers.
Ringworm can live in the moist floors of gym showers.

Ringworm can be prevented. Athletes should wear shower shoes in the shower rooms. Parents and teachers should clean gym or sleeping mats after each use, and should have family pets treated for the fungus. People should also not share headgear of any kind. The fungus is annoying, but rarely serious.

Discussion Comments

anon110934

Ringworm in my scalp turned to be a serious issue. It took two months for me to figure out what's into my head. Then the long four weeks of oral antibiotics with ketoconazole turned not to be successful. Now I am on itraconazole 400 mg/day. Lost so much hair, instead I got thinning, which as I read, can become bald areas soon. So to me this was the most terrible disease I have ever dealt with.

GenevaMech

@ anon2030- The best way to prevent ringworm from recurring after you get rid of ringworm is to follow a few procedures when you are most at risk of contracting ringworm.

If you work in places where you sweat a lot (i.e. kitchens, construction, boiler room, etc) use a talcum based foot and body powder. Staying dry is important. Also, make sure you switch out shoes, and always wash your workout clothes. Wear sandals in communal showers, as the article stated, and use fresh towels. Try to work out in well-ventilated areas so that sweat will evaporate, and shower after every workout.

Things like athletes foot are annoying, but with proper precautions, they are easily preventable.

parmnparsley

@ Anon2030- I read somewhere that the tinea fungus is present on the skin of almost everyone. It is usually not present in large amounts, and the immune system usually controls it easily, but certain conditions can make it worse.

Moist conditions can promote growth, and sharing things like towels, or walking on contaminated floors can spread the fungus. This is why athletes, manual laborers, and anyone who works and sweats can suffer from ringworm. Dandruff is a form of ringworm, as is jock itch, athlete’s foot, and thick nails.

Ringworm treatment is simple, but it can always be contagious when it is present. You can spread it from one area of your body to another or from person to person.

anon2030

how long does it take for ringworm to not be contagious?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Ringworm commonly affects children.
      By: Shmel
      Ringworm commonly affects children.
    • Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
      By: roblan
      Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
    • Ringworm is a very common skin condition, which can be treated using an anti-fungal spray.
      By: AlexOakenman
      Ringworm is a very common skin condition, which can be treated using an anti-fungal spray.
    • Ringworm can live in the moist floors of gym showers.
      By: gosphotodesign
      Ringworm can live in the moist floors of gym showers.
    • The infection from ringworm appears 10 to 14 days after exposure in the form of a small, itchy patch of skin.
      By: schankz
      The infection from ringworm appears 10 to 14 days after exposure in the form of a small, itchy patch of skin.