In spite of its name, ringworm is not caused by parasitic worms. It is actually caused by a fungus that grows on the surface of the skin and feeds on the keratin there. It does often take the shape of a ring, a circle of redness with clearer skin in the center, but even this is not always the case. It is also a very common disorder, affecting a significant portion of the population.
The body can be infected in any of a number of different areas by this condition, the common characteristic being an itchy red rash. This is caused by the same type of fungus that is responsible for fingernail and toenail fungus, jock itch and athletes foot. The organism takes hold most readily in warm moist areas, such as folds of skin and body parts that are usually covered.
A visual examination will usually be adequate to confirm the presence of this condition. The existence of a circular red rash and the itchiness are obvious signs of it. When there is doubt, a physician can take a skin sample for microscopic inspection or culturing to positively identify the problem.
This condition is highly contagious, so prevention and treatment involves keeping it from spreading from person to person. For this reason it is advisable not to share towels, clothing, sports or other equipment, and similar items with anyone. Wearing shoes at all times, especially in public showers and locker rooms, is also a good idea. Avoiding skin to skin contact with anyone who has this condition is also recommended.
It is also possible to get this disease from contact with infected animals, particularly pets such as cats and dogs. Try to avoid contact with an animal that has bare patches of skin, which is a symptom of this problem in animals with fur. If you catch it from your pet, you will need to have the pet treated as well as yourself.
There are several over the counter preparations that are used to treat this affliction. All of them contain some variety of anti-fungal medication. If these remedies are not effective in getting rid of the condition, a visit to a physician may be called for. Prescriptions including anti-fungal pills may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
As is the case with many common ailments, ringworm is not a serious condition, but it can cause a lot of discomfort. Prevention is a key factor, including personal cleanliness and not having contact with places that the fungus might be found on. If the condition does develop in spite of precautions, it is essential to get treatment quickly, as well as removing the source of contagion.
The body can be infected in any of a number of different areas by this condition, the common characteristic being an itchy red rash. This is caused by the same type of fungus that is responsible for fingernail and toenail fungus, jock itch and athletes foot. The organism takes hold most readily in warm moist areas, such as folds of skin and body parts that are usually covered.
A visual examination will usually be adequate to confirm the presence of this condition. The existence of a circular red rash and the itchiness are obvious signs of it. When there is doubt, a physician can take a skin sample for microscopic inspection or culturing to positively identify the problem.
This condition is highly contagious, so prevention and treatment involves keeping it from spreading from person to person. For this reason it is advisable not to share towels, clothing, sports or other equipment, and similar items with anyone. Wearing shoes at all times, especially in public showers and locker rooms, is also a good idea. Avoiding skin to skin contact with anyone who has this condition is also recommended.
It is also possible to get this disease from contact with infected animals, particularly pets such as cats and dogs. Try to avoid contact with an animal that has bare patches of skin, which is a symptom of this problem in animals with fur. If you catch it from your pet, you will need to have the pet treated as well as yourself.
There are several over the counter preparations that are used to treat this affliction. All of them contain some variety of anti-fungal medication. If these remedies are not effective in getting rid of the condition, a visit to a physician may be called for. Prescriptions including anti-fungal pills may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
As is the case with many common ailments, ringworm is not a serious condition, but it can cause a lot of discomfort. Prevention is a key factor, including personal cleanliness and not having contact with places that the fungus might be found on. If the condition does develop in spite of precautions, it is essential to get treatment quickly, as well as removing the source of contagion.
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