Ringworm (body)

Description

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. Usually it is an itch, a rash, circular with clearer skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. No worm is involved.

Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ringworm may include:

  • A scaly ring-shaped area, usually in the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs
  • Itching
  • A clear or peeling area in the interior of the ring, perhaps with a scattering of packages whose color varies from red-on-white skin red color, purple, brown, or grey on black and brown skin
  • Slightly elevated, the expansion of the rings
  • A round, flat patch of itchy skin
  • The overlapping rings

When to see a doctor

Talk with your doctor if you have a rash that does not begin to improve within just two weeks of use of antifungal medications-the-counter product. You may need prescription medicines.

Causes

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by the common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of the skin. It can spread in the following ways:

  • Human-to-human. Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
  • From animals to humans. You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats. It is also fairly common in cows.
  • Object to human. It is possible that the ringworm is spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed against, such as clothing, towels, bedding and linens, combs, and brushes.
  • Soil to human. In rare cases, ringworm can be transmitted to humans by contact with infected soil. The infection most likely occur only from prolonged contact with highly infected soil.

Risk factors

You are at greater risk of ringworm of the body if they:

  • Live in a warm climate
  • Having close contact with an infected person or animal
  • Sharing clothing, bed linen or towels with someone who has a fungal infection
  • Participate in the sports that have skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling
  • Wear tight or restrictive
  • Have a weak immune system

Complications

A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. But people with weak immune systems, such as people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), may find it difficult to get rid of the infection.

Prevention

Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce the risk of ringworm:

  • Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell your children about the ringworm, what to see and how to prevent infection.
  • Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep common areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms, and locker rooms. If you participate in contact sports, a shower immediately after practice or a game and keep their uniform and equipment cleaning.
  • Stay cool and dry. Do not wear thick clothing for long periods of time in hot and humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
  • Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where the skin is missing. If you have pets or other animals, ask your veterinarian to verify that the ringworm.
  • Do not share personal items. Do not let other people use your clothing, towels, hairbrushes, sports equipment or other articles of personal use. And not borrow such things.

Ringworm (body)

Diagnosis

Your doctor may be able to diagnose ringworm just by looking at it. Your doctor may take skin scrapings from the affected area so that it can be examined under a microscope.

Treatment

If over-the-counter treatments don't work, you may need prescription-strength antifungal medications — as a lotion, cream or ointment applied to the affected skin. If the infection is particularly severe or extensive, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills.

Self-care

For a mild case of ringworm, try these self-care tips.

  • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Apply an over-the-counter antifungal lotion, cream or ointment such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), or terbinafine (Lamisil AT), as indicated on the container.

Preparing for your appointment

Your family doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose ringworm of the body. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you to make the most of your appointment. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What could be the cause of the signs and symptoms?
  • The tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • Is this condition temporary or chronic?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Can't wait to see if the condition goes away on its own?
  • What can I do to prevent the spread of infection?
  • What skin care routines do you recommend as the condition is cured?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you first notice your symptoms?
  • What did the eruption of look when she first started?
  • Have had this type of rash in the past?
  • Makes a pet or family member already has ringworm?
  • Is the eruption of pain or itching?
  • Have you used any of the drugs on him already? If so, what?
Symptoms and treatment of Ringworm (body)