Read - Ring Worm

Ring worm
 of the Skin

What is ring worm of the skin?
Ring worm is an infection caused by a fungus that grows on the outer layer of skin. Fungal infections of the skin are more common in warm, humid climates. In the United States, it is estimated that 10% to 20% of the population is affected by fungal infections of the skin. Ring worm is a very contagious skin infection. In most cases, ring worm is not itchy.

Ring worms can be a very common skin fungus among children. Although, ring worms can evolve in all ages. Ring worms are spread from one person to the next by direct contact. Often sharing of contaminated items will bring on ringworms. Ring worms can be caught from pets. Cats are often known to be the carriers.

The medical term for many skin fungus infections is tinea, followed by a word which describes the location of infection. For example, tinea corporis is ring worm of the skin anywhere on the body but the scalp, beard, feet, or hands. Tinea cruris, also known as "jock itch," affects the groin area, and tinea mannum affects the hands. This topic addresses ring worm of the skin, groin, and hands.

What type of ring worm treatment is available today?
Antifungal creams and powders are classified as a topical ring worm treatment. This ring worm treatment is used for the skin and the body. It usually can take up to two weeks for the ring worm to clear. After that time period, if the ring worm has cleared, then the treatment will be continued for two more weeks, (too safeguard a positive treatment effect)

Ring worm involving body and hands and feet do well with a non prescriptive treatment. The available treatments that are known to cure ring worm are tolnaftate, undecylenic acid, micronazole, and terbinafine. The terbinafine is considered more effective then the other medications, and quite often only needs to be used once a week.

When dealing with ring worm of the nails and scalp, it is recommended to use an oral treatment. It would be in ones best interest to have early treatment for ring worm, in order to prevent permanent hair loss.

What safe measures should be taken to avoid getting this skin fungus?
Try to avoid contact with anyone who has become infected with this skin fungus of ring worm. It is not advised to share any grooming items, clothing or shoes. Try to control scratching of ring worm in order to avoid spreading throughout your body. Keep moisture prone parts of your body dry and clean.

If per chance you have developed ring worm from your pet, it would be necessary for you have your pet evaluated, and treated by your veterinarian.

For information about other skin fungus infections, see the topics Athletes Foot, Diaper Rash, Fungal Nail Infections, and Ringworm of the Scalp and Beard.

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