Humans and Ringworm – Information You Need to Know
Despite its name ringworm in humans and animals is not caused by worms, or for that matter, any kind of living animal. Ringworm is actually a fungus. And it does not discriminate between humans and animals. Both are equally likely to catch it. Ringworm derives its name from the shape of the rash itself, which shows up as a reddish circle, or ring on the surface of the skin.
Ringworm in humans can be seen as red circular rashes with healthy skin in the middle. The edges of the rashes are usually raised. It can affect any part of the body including the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp can be seen as a small pimple that becomes larger. You might also notice that the scalp develops rings of rashes much like the ones seen on other parts of the body.
Temporary bald spots may occur with ringworm of the scalp. This is due to the hair follicles becoming quite hard and brittle on the areas where the rash occurs, causing them to break at their base. The hair does not die however, and will grow back once the rash is gone. It can be very unbecoming, however, and causes embarrassment for those infected in this way. The most common form of ringworm, which has probably affected just about everyone at one time in their life, is athletes foot. Though there are not tell-tale rings with this fungus, it is just as itchy and irritating. Athletes foot is not hard to cure and there are numerous over the counter cures to choose from. All types of ringworm are quite contagious, and one must be diligent in their treatment in order to fully cure it.
The ways a person can get ringworm is direct contact with an infected person or animal. You can also get it from an object that an infected person or animal has come into contact with or even through the soil. It has an incubation period of 10 days meaning symptoms will develop 10 days after exposure. Your medical care provider will diagnose the fungus and can prescribe medication or anti fungal cream. The cream is the most effective course of treatment. Apply the cream to the infected area twice a day depending on the cream.
Bandages should be used to cover the rash to minimize further infection of yourself or others. Treatments must be carried out to the very end, otherwise the rash may reappear. Anything that could have possibly come into contact with the fungus, clothing, furniture and fixtures should be thoroughly washed with bleach and hot water. Avoid any contact with pets or people until the rash has completely cleared up.
The most effective way that ringworm is spread to other parts of your body is through scratching. If you scratch your rash you can then touch or scratch another part of your body spreading the fungus. The ringworm rash is not painful but it is arguably one of the itchiest things you can get on your body. The itchiness will subside through treatment but you have to be strong until then. Even with treatment the itchiness will be at its highest between the third and fifth day that the rash is visible. After that the symptoms will begin to subside.
The most important thing you can do in treating your ringworm is to make sure you are diligent in all your treatment and efforts until you have fully eliminated the fungus. If this is not done correctly, ringworm will likely reappear and the process must start all over again. No one wants to get ringworm twice.
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