Ringworm is a skin or nail infection caused by fungus. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact and is very contagious. It’s usually treated with antifungal cream or pills. To help prevent ringworm, practice good hygiene, especially after visiting public spaces such as locker rooms and day care centers, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or brushes.
Fact 1: Ringworm is easy to treat.
You can usually treat mild cases of ringworm with an antifungal cream, gel, or powder. Some are available over the counter, but if your case is more severe, you might need a prescription cream. For very serious cases, you might need to take antifungal pills for a few weeks.
Fact 2: Not all ringlike rashes are caused by ringworm.
Other conditions can also cause a ring-shaped rash. One is a skin condition called granuloma annulare, which is a circular bump that usually forms on bony areas such as hands and ankles. Another is Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that causes a bull’s-eye rash.
Fact 3: Some people are at higher risk for ringworm infections.
You’re more likely to get ringworm if you play sports with a lot of skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling. People with a weakened immune system are also at a higher risk.
Fact 4: You can get ringworm working in the garden.
In rare cases, ringworm can spread from contact with infected soil. But you’re much more likely to get it from skin-to-skin contact with an infected human or animal. You also might get it from an object that an infected person has recently touched, such as a towel or bedding.
Fact 5: Ringworm usually causes a scaly, itchy rash.
Most of the time, this rash looks like a ring, but it doesn’t have to. Some people may even have expanding or overlapping rings. The rash might be flat or bumpy. The bumps might look red on white skin or red, purple, brown, or gray on brown and black skin.
Fact 6: Ringworm can affect different parts of your body.
Ringworm usually affects the butt, abdomen, arms, or legs. This is called tinea corporis. You also can get it on your scalp (tinea capitis), feet (athlete’s foot), groin (jock itch), hands (tinia manuum), beard (tinia barbae), and nails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis).
Fact 7: Apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil probably won’t help.
These home remedies have little benefit and might even make the situation worse. For example, apple cider vinegar can irritate your skin and cause sores. Instead, stick with antifungal creams, gels, and powders.
Fact 8: You can help prevent ringworm.
Ringworm is very contagious, but you can help protect yourself by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often, particularly in shared spaces such as gyms and child care centers. Wear flip-flops at pools and in locker rooms. Take a shower after having skin-to-skin contact, especially in contact sports such as wrestling. And don’t share personal items such as towels or hairbrushes.
Ringworm FAQs
Are there any home remedies for ringworm?
For a mild case of ringworm, you can try over-the-counter antifungals. Keep the area dry and clean. Avoid home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil.
How can you prevent ringworm fast?
Taking a shower after skin-to-skin contact can help prevent ringworm.
What makes it difficult to cure ringworm?
Having a weakened immune system can make it harder to treat ringworm.
Does moisture promote ringworm?
Ringworm grows best in warm, humid environments.
How can you kill a ringworm?
Ringworm can be treated with antifungal cream or pills.
Credit: webmd
