overview
- Image of the ringworm of the body
- Ringworm of the Body Open popup dialog
- The body’s ringworm (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It’s usually a red, itchy, circular rash with lighter skin in the center. Ringworm gets its name from its appearance. There is no worm involved.
The body’s ringworm is associated with athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and scalp ringworm (tinea capitis). Ringworm is often spread through direct skin contact with an infected person or animal.
Mild ringworm often reacts to antifungal drugs that you put on your skin. For more serious infections, you may need to take antifungal medicines for several weeks.
symptom
Signs and symptoms of ringworm can include:
- A scaly, ring-shaped area, usually on the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs
- May it itch
- A clear or flaky area inside the ring, possibly with a scattering of red bumps
- Slightly raised and stretchable rings
- A round, flat patch of itchy skin
- Overlapping rings
The reasons
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on cells in the outer layer of the skin. It can spread in the following ways:
From human to human. Ringworm is often spread through direct skin contact with an infected person.
Animal to human. You can get ringworm by touching an animal with a ringworm. Ringworm can be spread by petting or grooming a dog or cat. It’s also quite common in cows.
Object to man. Ringworm can be spread through contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed, such as: B. Clothes, towels, sheets and linens, combs and sheets. To brush.
From the ground to the people. In rare cases, ringworm can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected soil. Infection would likely only occur after prolonged exposure to heavily infected soil.
Risk factors
You are at a higher risk of developing ringworm in the body if you:
Live in a hot climate
Have close contact with an infected person or animal
Share clothes, linens, or towels with someone who has a yeast infection
Participate in sports that involve skin-to-skin contact, such as: B. Wrestling
Wear tight or restrictive clothing
Do you have a weak immune system?
prevention
Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common and the disease is contagious even before symptoms appear.
To reduce your risk of ringworm, do the following:
- Educate yourself and educate others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Let your children know about ringworm, what to look for and how to avoid infection.
- Keep clean. Wash your hands often. Keep common areas clean, especially in schools, day care centers, gyms and locker rooms. If you practice contact sports, shower immediately after a workout or game, and keep your uniform and equipment clean.
- Stay cool and dry. Do not wear thick clothing for long periods of time in hot, humid weather. Avoid excessive sweating.
- Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin that is missing fur. If you have pets or other animals, have your veterinarian check them for ringworm.
- Do not share personal items. Do not let anyone use your clothes, towels, hairbrushes, exercise equipment, or other personal items. And don’t borrow things like that.
