Ringworm is a common infection that can affect many parts of the body. Ringworm of the feet is commonly known as athlete's foot or tinea pedis. When it infects a person's groin area, the name is changed to jock itch. It can also affect other skin areas like the scalp. However, ringworm is a misnomer. It's not caused by a worm; it's caused by a fungus. The term ringworm more refers to the circular shape of the rash that is the hallmark of this disease. This rash is also dry, flaky, red and very itchy. Sometimes the affected skin cracks and bleeds. Anyone can get ringworm, but some people appear to be more susceptible to it than others. The disease can also be carried by pet dogs and cats and even cows. A pet dog or cat with unexplained patches of fur loss should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Ringworm can appear on almost any part of the body, even including the fingernails and toenails. Watch for the following:
- A ring-shaped rash that tends to have a clear center area
- Loss of hair
- Intense itching of the affected area
- Red, dry, flaky skin that may crack and bleed
- Athlete's foot often affects the skin between the toes
When located on the scalp, it looks like red, scaly bald spots that are circular in appearance. The spots may enlarge if the infections worsens. There may be multiple circular sites of infection. Scalp ringworm is more common in children than adults, but anyone can contract it. Ringworm can affect the male beard area, too. When it does, it produces scaly, itchy, red spots on the upper neck, cheeks and chin. The beard hair may fall out, and sometimes the spots turn crusty or pus-filled.
How it is Transmitted
Ringworm is very contagious, spread from person to person by personal contact and also contact with contaminated objects, such as damp towels, exercise equipment, seats or benches and showers at the gym, inside shoes and in bedding, combs, brushes and other household and personal items. Like most types of fungus, ringworm thrives in moist, dark, warm places. In particular, closed shoes promote athlete's foot by keeping the feet damp and warm for long periods of time. Going barefoot at home and wearing sandals when possible will help to alleviate this source of infection. Letting shoes dry out by not wearing the same pair day after day will also help. It's also possible to acquire ringworm from contact with infected soil, but this isn't a common infection source. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk for ringworm than the general population. Pet dogs and cats can transmit it to humans, too. Inspect pets for signs of ringworm and get them treated by a veterinarian right away.
Treating Ringworm
Sometimes, mild ringworm infections will respond to over-the-counter creams that fight fungus. Athlete's foot often responds well to this treatment within two to four weeks. Follow label directions carefully. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly before applying the product, especially between the toes. Keep your feet exposed to air as much as possible. Ringworm of the groin, or jock itch, often responds to these over-the-counter remedies, too. However, scalp ringworm tends to be more resistant and typically will require a prescription medication which is taken by mouth. Creams and lotions are not effective for this form of the disease. If athlete's foot and jock itch fail to respond to nonprescription creams and lotions, or if it gets much worse, it may also require oral therapy to clear the infection.