Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. It can lead to a red circular rash, scaly patches, and bumps on the skin. It is contagious and any contact with the infecting fungus can lead to ringworm.
Causes
The name makes one think about some kind of worm but ringworm is caused by fungi. These are called dermatophytes and include Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum.
These fungi have many different species and which particular species causes the infection will depend on the area involved and how the infection was acquired.
Some examples are:
- Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp is most often caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in the United States.
- If one gets ringworm of the body from cats or dogs, it’s usually caused by Microsporum canis.
These fungi can infect the outer keratinized layer of the skin, nails, and hair. A few factors can increase one’s chance of getting a ringworm rash. These may include:
- Excessive sweating.
- Hot and humid environment.
- Contact sports like wrestling.
- Walking barefoot in public places like gym rooms, lockers, and bathrooms.
- Tight-fitting clothes.
- Wearing shoes for extended hours.
- Sharing personal items with others.
- Weakened immune system.
- Underlying medical conditions like diabetes mellitus.
Spread of infection
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection and it can spread in several ways:
1. Human to Human
One can get ringworm by getting in direct contact with someone who has ringworm rash.
This can often happen in people who play contact sports due to direct skin-to-skin contact.
2. Animals to human
One can get the infection from pets like dogs and cats and other animals who are infected.
Tinea barbae is ringworm of the beard area which is most often acquired from animals like cattle, pigs, dogs, sheep, cats, etc.
3. Contaminated surfaces to human
One can get ringworm by coming in contact with any object that has direct contact with the ringworm rash lesions. It can be any clothing, bedding, towels, combs, razors, etc.
For example, sharing caps among children can lead to the spread of ringworm if any child has scalp ringworm.
4. Soil to human
In rare cases, prolonged contact with infected soil can result in ringworm.
5. Local spread
One can spread the fungus from one area of the body to another. For example, touching the rash and then the normal area of the body can transfer the fungus.
This is the reason often one can see ringworm of the hand in people who have tinea pedis or ringworm of foot.
Similarly, clothing can transfer fungi from the infected foot to the groin area. This is the reason it’s often recommended to wear socks first and then undergarments if one has tinea pedis.
How to prevent the spread?
The spread of ringworm may be prevented with the following measures:
1. Do not share personal items
Do not use other people’s personal items like clothing, combs, socks, footwear, bedding, or razors. Also, do not let others use your personal things.
2. Keep your skin dry and clean
Always clean and dry off your skin thoroughly before putting on clothes. Make sure to wash your feet and air them out, especially after wearing socks for a long time.
3. Wear loose and breathable clothes
Choose clothing that is made of breathable material. Always change your undergarments and socks at least once daily.
4. Take a bath after excessive sweating or contact sports
Always take a bath after intense exercise which makes you sweat excessively or in hot and humid weather.
If you take part in contact sports like wrestling, make sure to take a bath after every session.
5. Always wear slippers in public areas
Public areas like gym rooms, public showers, or pools can harbor ringworm-causing fungus due to the damp environment. So, always wear slippers or shoes to avoid the infection.
6. Clean the shared areas
Shared areas like gyms, schools, swimming pools, etc. can often be the source of the infection. So, keep these areas and any equipment clean.
7. Hand hygiene
Always follow good hand hygiene if you treat someone else with ringworm or a patch of ringworm on your own body.
Use gloves or Q-tips to apply medication and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
8. Wear your socks first if you have athlete’s foot
If you have ringworm of foot (aka athlete’s foot), wear your socks before putting on the undergarments. This will prevent the spread of the fungus to the body or groin area.
9. Treat your pet
If your pet has a suspicious scaly patch or an area of hair loss, make sure to get them treated by a Veterinary doctor. Wash your hands thoroughly after petting or grooming the pets.
10. See a doctor
If the ringworm rash is not improving with over-the-counter topicals, make sure to see a doctor for prescription medication.
Diagnosis
Ringworm can be diagnosed by the appearance of the rash. In some cases, your doctor may take skin scrapings and examine them under the microscope for the presence of fungus.
In a few cases, fungal culture or skin biopsy may be done.
How is it treated?
The treatment will depend on the area involved and the severity of the symptoms. Mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter topical antifungals which may contain miconazole, clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and terbinafine.
Severe cases and ringworm of the scalp and nails will require prescription medications. It may include oral antifungals like griseofulvin, fluconazole, itraconazole etc. along with topicals.
Related: Treatment for Ringworm: How to Get Rid of It?
Further reading
- Ringworm: Facts and FAQs
- How Long is Ringworm Contagious? Treated vs Untreated
- How Long does Ringworm Last?
- Home Remedies for Ringworm: How to treat it at home naturally?
- 8 Rashes That Look Like Ringworm But Aren’t (With Pictures)
References
- Yee G, Al Aboud AM. Tinea Corporis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.
- Munoz, Ruben Alejandro MD, MPH1; Krumenacker, Joshua S. MD, PhD2; DiazMedina, Marcia P. MD2; Sidana, Anshu MD2; Marshall, Bob MD, MPH, MISM3. Tinea corporis (ringworm). Evidence-Based Practice: August 2014 – Volume 17 – Issue 8 – p 13.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.