Ringworm

This information is about ringworm. It covers what ringworm is, where it comes from, how to recognize it, and how to deal with it.

Ringworm is a fungus that can infect your skin, nails, and hair. The fungus is found in the soil and is contagious from both direct and indirect contact. You can get it from other people or from domestic animals — particularly young puppies and kittens. Children often get ringworm this way.

Ringworm of the scalp usually occurs in children. It causes areas of scaly skin, and partial hair loss that is usually temporary. Ringworm of the feet is commonly called athlete’s foot and usually occurs in adolescence and adults. It causes scaly skin between the toes and elsewhere on the feet.

Ringworm of the skin affects all ages and causes small raised areas that gradually enlarge in a ring shape leaving normal skin in the center.

Sometimes, other conditions can be confused with ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp can be confused with eczema and psoriasis. Ringworm of the skin may look like eczema and ringworm of the feet may look like shoe dermatitis — but these conditions don’t usually involve the webs between the toes, and ringworm often does.

Here is what you should do if you suspect ringworm. If you notice the symptoms of scalp ringworm, don’t try to deal with the problem yourself. See your health care provider promptly, because the prescription medication required is to be taken by mouth, and early treatment reduces the risk of permanent hair loss.

With foot ringworm, keep your feet dry. You can use various non-prescription medicated foot powders to help do this. Wear cotton socks instead of synthetics: they promote better air circulation around your feet. Incidentally, these precautions are useful for preventingringworm too.

If possible, avoid wearing sneakers until the condition has cleared up. If you must wear sneakers, purposely give your feet a break at other times. Wear sandals, for example, so your bare feet get some direct exposure to air. To treat scaliness and sores, try non-prescription medications that contain tolnaftate in cream, solution, or powder. Tinactin and Micatin are examples of non- prescription medications. The same medicated creams can be used to treatringworm of the skin. You apply the medication three or four times a day for up to two weeks. If you don’t see much improvement, consult your pediatrician. More powerful medications can be prescribed ifringworm is diagnosed.

Please remember these key points:

Ringworm is a fungus that produces sores and scaly skin on the scalp and the feet.
It is contagious and can be transmitted by both humans and pets.
Only a health care provider can positively diagnose ringworm, because it sometimes imitates other skin problems.
If you suspect scalp ringworm, see your health care provider promptly.
For possible foot ringworm, keep your feet clean, dry, and well ventilated. With foot or skin ringworm, apply Tinactin, Micatin, or similar medications as directed.
Remember, ringworm may take four to six weeks to completely clear up.
Make an appointment with the pediatrician if the condition gets worse or shows no improvement within two weeks.