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Even today, there are many people who are confused about ringworm. There are still assumptions and misconceptions. So for once, let me help you eliminate all that confusion. These are some of the truths, lies and facts about ringworm.
The Truths.
These are the known truths about ringworm. I did some research, compiled the information, and made it into a list that people would easily understand:
• Ringworm can spread easily. Is it contagious
• You can get ringworm through: (1) direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person; (2) direct contact with an infected animal such as cats, dogs, and other pets; (3) indirect contact: this is when you come into contact with a contaminated object such as combs, brushes, towels, underwear, and shoes; (4) transmission from soil to humans.
• There are eight basic types of ringworm; it can affect different parts of your body. They are: (1) tinea capitis (scalp); (2) tinea faciei (face); (3) tinea barbae (beard); (4) tinea corporis (body); (5) tinea cruris (snout); (6) tinea maumum (hands); (7) tinea pedis (feet); and (8) tinea unguium (nails).
• The classic sign of ringworm is an incredibly itchy rash. It has red borders that are raised; sometimes it’s crispy. The center of the rash is shiny or scaly, giving the skin a ring-shaped appearance.
• The signs are different in tinea unguium. The infection causes the nail to become yellow, thick and brittle. Sometimes nails can become detached in the nail bed.
The facts.
These are facts about ringworm:
• Barber’s ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are ringworm. They are tinea barbae, tinea cruris and tinea pedis respectively.
• Ringworm thrives in warm, moist environments.
• People who are at high risk of getting this infection include: immunocompromised people, children, and people who live in hot places.
• According to studies, more boys get ringworm than girls.
• Other types of ringworm are: tinea imbricata (overlapping spots); deep tinea (ringworm with abscess); tinea axillaris (ringworm in the armpits); and tinea vericolor (ringworm that causes the affected area to change color).
• Ringworm infection can be easily treated. Although the treatment plan for ringworm is a long process, it can be easily cured with antifungal creams. You just have to keep using it even after the symptoms have disappeared.
• Common antifungal medications for ringworm are: ketoconazole, miconazole, selenium sulfide, and clotrimazole.
The lies.
These are incorrect assumptions about ringworm disease:
• Ringworm caused by worms. It is actually caused by fungi.
• Fungal nails can be confused with other conditions. These symptoms do not indicate ringworm of the nail: lines and ridges on the nail (they are just normal); white nails; red or black nails (this is due to blood collecting under the nails from trauma); green nails (this is caused by bacteria); chopped cloves; swelling and redness around the nails.
• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is unique to athletes. The same goes for Barber’s itch (tinea barbae) and jock itch (tinea cruris). They can be purchased by anyone.
• You can get tinea capitis from using ointments and hair products. Again, lie.
• Ringworm is not contagious. This is bad. This infection spreads easily.
• Only children can get ringworm of the scalp. This is not true. Although there is a high rate of children who suffer from it, adults and adolescents can also be affected.
• You can only get ringworm once. This is a lie. Ringworm can recur. In fact, it can spread to different parts of your body.
