Ringworm is caused by a fungus that can live on the dead tissue of the skin, hair, and nails. Tinea infections are a type of fungal skin infection.
What Is Are Ringworms
Ringworm is a common skin disorder that is caused by a fungus. The most common type of ringworm, tinea corporis, is a fungal infection of the skin that causes a red, itchy rash in the shape of a ring.
Ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and lotions. However, more severe cases may require prescription antifungal medication.
10 Causes of Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus. These fungi live on the dead tissue of the hair, skin, and nails, and they cause an itchy, scaly rash in affected people. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or by contact with contaminated objects.
The most common type of ringworm in humans is tinea corporis, which affects the arms and legs. Other types of ringworm include tinea cruris (“jock itch”), tinea pedis (“athlete’s foot”), and tinea capitis (“scalp ringworm”).
Ringworm is usually treated with antifungal medications, although it can sometimes go away on its own. Here are 10 possible causes of ringworm.
Dermatophytes
As mentioned, dermatophytes are a group of fungi that cause ringworm. These fungi live on the dead tissue of the skin, hair, and nails, and they cause an itchy, scaly rash in affected people.
Animals
Ringworm can be spread from animals to humans, and vice versa. Cats are a common source of ringworm, although any animal with the infection can spread it.
Animals can contract ringworm from contaminated soil, and they can pass the infection on to humans through direct contact or by shedding the fungus into the environment.
Contaminated Objects
Ringworm can also be spread by contact with contaminated objects, such as combs, brushes, towels, clothing, or surfaces. The fungus can survive on these objects for long periods, and periods on to other people who touch them.
Weak Immune System
People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to developing ringworm. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, as well as those taking certain medications that suppress the immune system.
Moisture
Ringworm thrives in moist conditions, so people who sweat a lot or who have skin conditions that cause dryness or cracking are at increased risk for the infection.
Contact Sports
People who participate in contact sports, such as wrestling or football, are more likely to develop ringworm. This is because the infection can be spread through close contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.
Poor Hygiene
People who have poor hygiene are more likely to develop ringworm, as the fungus can more easily infect the skin through breaks in the skin caused by cuts, scrapes, or other wounds.
Climate
Ringworm is more common in warm, humid climates, as the fungi that cause the infection thrive in these conditions.
Genetics
Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing ringworm, as the fungus can take advantage of certain skin conditions that are passed down from generation to generation.
Symptoms Of Ringworm
- Overlapping rings
- A ring-shaped scale area is found on the buttocks, arms, trunk, and legs.
- Red patches on the skin. The patches may blister and ooze.
Diagnosis Of Ringworm
Ringworm is diagnosed through a physical examination and often by looking at the characteristic rash. In some cases, your doctor may also perform a skin culture, which involves taking a sample of skin from the affected area and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
Complication
A fungal infection seldom extends under the skin’s surface, causing significant sickness. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may have a harder time overcoming the infection.
Prevention
It’s difficult to keep ringworm at bay. It is caused by a common fungus, and the disease is spread even before symptoms develop. Reduce your ringworm risk by following these steps:
Educate Yourself And Others Around You
Be cautious of the possibility of contracting ringworm from sick humans or animals. Inform your children about ringworm, including symptoms to look out for and how to avoid infection.
Maintain A Clean Environment
Hands should be washed frequently. Keep common areas, such as child care facilities, schools, gyms, and locker rooms, clean. Shower right after practice or a game if you play contact sports, and keep your uniform and equipment clean.
Maintain a cool and dry environment. Avoid wearing heavy garments for long periods in hot, humid weather. Exceperiodization should be avoided at all costs.
Keep Yourself Dry And Cool
In humid weather and hot, avoid wearing heavy clothing for lengthy periods. Exceperiodsion should be avoided.
Stay Away From Sick Animals
The infection often appears as a patch of skin with no fur. If you have pets or other animals, have them checked for ringworm by your veterinarian.
Personal Items Should Not Be Shared
Do not allow anyone else to use your towels, sports equipment, clothes, hairbrushes, and other belongings. Also, do not borrow such items.
