Ringworm

Explore more on how to get rid of ringworm using the various treatment and home remedies. You will also get enlightened on how to prevent ringworms and its spread.

How to Get Rid Of Ringworm in Human

Ringworm is a fungal infection that survives in warm and moist environment. It is not caused by a worm as its name suggest. Before we get to the various treatment on how to get rid of this condition, let’s learn on how do you get ringworm. This is a highly contagious infection that spread from human-to-human through direct skin contact. You may also get ringworm if you come in contact with infected pet and objects. There are different ways you can use to get rid of ringworm as follows:

1. Doctors prescribed treatments

There are various prescribed antifungal medicines that prevents the fungi from multiplying and spreading. They are found in several forms as capsules, pills, creams, gel or sprays. Some of the tablets are terbinafine or Lamisil. Most of the prescribed antifungal medicines are taken through the mouth and it may take 2-4 weeks to see the results especially when your condition is not severe.
Ringworm becomes less contagious for 24-48 hours of treatment. You need to be very careful during this period to avoid spreading the infection to other people and animals. Ensure that you take the medicines as recommended by your doctor. Complete your dose even if the symptoms may go away.

2. Over-the-counter antifungal medicines

Over-the-counter antifungal medications are also effective on how to get rid of ringworm. Most of the medicines are found inform of gel, lotion, creams and spray. They are commonly found pharmaceutical shops and are applied directly on the affected areas.
The antifungal shampoo helps in treating mild scalp infection. It also helps to prevent the infection from spreading. They are found in various brand names such as Ketoconazole and selenium sulphide. The shampoo is used twice a week until your condition heals.

3. Home remedy treatments for ringworms

The home care treatments and remedies are also effecting in eradicating ringworm infection. Most of the ingredients used are found within your kitchen while others can be obtained from an organic store within your location. After cleaning the affected area you may apply various treatment such as the use of tea tree oil, apple vinegar, garlic or jojoba and lavender oil among others to kill the fungi.
Most of the remedies has antifungal properties that helps in preventing the fungi from multiplying and spreading to other areas. You may consult your dermatology on the best remedy that may work best for your skin. However, if the symptoms persist after using the remedy for 2 weeks, it is recommended to visit your doctor.

How to Treat Ringworm – Cure

Once you notice the various symptoms of ringworms, it is recommended to look for treatment before it spreads to other parts or your body or to other family members, friends and animals. Mild ringworm infection can be treated by the use of non-prescribed medicines while severe infection may require prescription antifungal medications. Ringworm treatment depends on the part of the body that is affected as follows:

1. Ringworm of the skin

Ringworm of the skin, athlete’s foot and jock itch can be cured using over-the-counter antifungal cream, powder, sprays and lotion. Most of these medications are found in drug stores or chemistry. The pharmacist may help you to choose the right one depending on your condition.
Some of them includes antifungal cream that contain miconazole or clotrimazole. Their brand names are Micatin, Mycelex and tinactin. Other antifungal medication taken includes Terbinafine also known as Lamisil.
Over-the-counter antifungal medication are effective on how to get rid of ringworm fast. Before applying, wash the affected area thoroughly using soapy water and dry using a clean towel. Using your fingers, apply the cream on the rash and the areas around. Ensure that the cream is evenly spread.
Follow the manufactures instructions while using this medication. Do not stop using when your condition starts to improves or when the symptoms goes away. You may be required to apply the cream for 2-4 weeks to prevent ringworm from recurring. In case your condition does not improve after two weeks, you may be required to visit the doctor for treatment. You may be given prescribed antifungal medications that are more powerful.
If you are infected with ringworm on different parts of your body, it is advisable to treat both infections to avoid re-infecting yourself. For instance, most individual with athlete’s foot may also suffer from ringworm of the groin. Therefore the two infections should be treated at the same time. You should also wear the underwear first before your socks when suffering from athlete’s foot to avoid its spread.

2. Ringworm of the scalp

It is also known as tinea capitis. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions or sprays may not help on how to get rid of ringworm on scalp. You may be required to take prescription antifungal medication that are taken by the mouth. Tinea capitis may also take longer time to heal as compared to ringworm of the skin. You make take the antifungal medication for 1-2 month to heal this condition.

Home Remedies for Ringworm

When ringworm is not controlled, it may lead to various complications in your body. This fungal infection may spread to different parts of your body. You will also increase the chances of spreading the infection to your family members, friends and pet animals that are around you. Therefore, there are various natural remedies that can be used to treat ringworms while at home. However, it is advisable to visit your doctor before using some of the remedies. They include the following:

• Apple vinegar

Apple vinegar is considered to be the best home remedy on how to get rid of ringworm in humans fast. It is also used in treating various skin problems. This remedy has natural antifungal properties that is effective in treating fungal infections. To use this remedy, you simply need undiluted apple vinegar and a cotton ball.
Put few drops on the cotton and apply on the patches for several times a day. It is dermatologically recommended to apply 3-4 times a day until the patches heals. Apple vinegar has the ability to clear this condition when applied as recommended.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil can be used in treating fungal infections on different parts of your body. It is commonly used in treating athlete’s foot among other types of fungal infections. It contains anti-fungal and antiseptic properties that are effective in treating various skin infection including acne and pimples. To use this remedy, soak a cotton ball in this natural oil and apply it on the affected area for three times a day until your condition improves.

• Coconut oil

Coconut oil has healing properties that aids in treating ringworm infection. The oil has soothing and softening effects that helps in relieving the itchy sensation. Coconut oil works best in treating ringworm of the scalp. To use this remedy, you simply apply in the hair in the evening before going to bed. Wash your scalp in the following morning to remove the build-up and residues.

• Mustard seeds

This tiny seeds are also effective on how to get rid of ringworm in humans quickly. It helps to relieve irritation and itchy feeling when applied on the affected patches. This helps in speeding up the healing process. You simply soak the seeds in cool water to soften them before grinding to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area thrice daily until your condition improves.

• A mixture of jojoba and lavender oil

The mixture of this two remedy are recommended in treating ringworms in babies. They are safe and provides soothing effects on the affected parts. To apply this remedy, you simply use a cotton swab to spread the mixture on the ringworm patches. Apply three times a day until your condition improves.

• Garlic

The ingredient has natural anti-fungal properties. It is effective in treating various fungal infections such as ringworms. Garlic is also used in treating other different types of skin conditions. To use this ingredient, you simply cut the clove into small pieces and grind them to make a paste and apply on the affected areas thrice a day until your condition heals.

• Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is used in making various skin care products that helps in treating various skin problems. It is also effective on how to get rid of ringworm in humans naturally. You simply pluck the leave and obtain a gel from it. Apply the gel on the affected area 2-3 times a day. Alternatively, cut the Aloe Vera leaf into slices and rub them against the patches.

How to Prevent Ringworm

The fungi that causes ringworm can survive for a long time in dumpy and humid conditions. They can also survive on items such as furniture, clothing, towels, brushes and sporting items. You may be asking yourself this question, is ringworm contagious? The answer is yes, it easily spreads from infected person to others through direct skin contact and contact with infected objects. However, this infection can be prevented as follows:

• Avoid sharing clothing, towels, beddings, comps, brushes and sport equipment’s. Wash your hand and clothes thoroughly using fungicidal soap in case you suspect as exposure to ringworm.
• Observe your personal hygiene, keep your skin, clothes and beddings clean and dry. Change and wash your underwear’s and socks daily.
• Wear sandals when using locker rooms, public showers and other dumpy areas that may be harboring the fungi that causes ringworms.
• Shower thoroughly after sporting activities that encourages direct skin-to-skin contact such as wrestling.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear and pants. Use loose-fitting cotton underwear’s, pants and jeans.
• Avoid wearing your socks before the underwear if you are infected with athlete’s foot as you may spread the infection to the groin area. It helps to prevent jock itch.
• Use clean towels to dry yourself completely after shower. It helps on how to get rid of ringworm that may survive on your skin.
• Take your pet animals to the vet immediately you notice patches of hair loss on their body.
• Restrict the affected animal from others and yourself until it is treated.

Further References;
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/ringworm-of-the-skin-medications
http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/page13.htm
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Treatment.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/disease
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html

How long is ringworm contagious? Get insights about its contagious period in human and if it can be transmitted while being treated. You will also learn whether ringworm is itchy or not.

How Long Is Ringworm Contagious

Ringworm is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin. It is also medically known as tinea. It has various names depending on the part of the body that is affected. For instance, athlete’s foot is the ringworm of the foot, jock itch is the ringworm of the groin among others. This infection is not causes by a worm or parasite as its name suggest.
Ringworm is a contagious infection that is transmitted through direct body contact with infected person, animal, object or soil. This infection will remain contagious until when it is treated. After treatment, it stops being contagious within 1-2 days. Preventing direct contact with infected person or animals may help to reduce the spread of ringworm.
Ringworm is commonly spread through human to human contact. You are likely to contact this infection by coming into direct skin contact with infected person. Sharing of towels, clothes and other personal items may also spread this infection.
The infection is common in children who are below the age of nine years because their body immune system is not fully developed. Children also share various items that may be infected with fungi such as sporting equipment’s, clothing and comps.
The fungi can survive for a long time in dumpy areas like locker rooms, public swimming pool, comps and brushes. To prevent ringworm, you are supposed to avoid such places and items that may be harboring the fungi. If you or your child is infected, it is advisable to visit your doctor right away you start experiencing the first symptom.

When Is Ringworm Not Contagious

You may be wondering how long is ringworm contagious, this infection will remain contagious until the time you will treat it. Therefore, ringworm is not contagious after treatment. Once you start treatment, it stops from spreading to other people and animals within a duration of 24-48 hours. However, there are various measures you can employ to prevent the spread of ringworms. They include:

• You may not get this infection by preventing its spread. When your family member or friend is diagnosed with ringworms, avoid sharing of basic items such as beddings, clothing, comps and brushes until he or she is treated.
• Take your pet animals such as cats and dogs to the vet regularly for diagnosis of ringworm. Early diagnosis and treatment will help to prevent the spread of infection.
• Observe your personal hygiene and that one of your children. Wash your beddings and clothe after use. Clean the surfaces using a disinfectant especially after public functions that involves different people.
• Wearing slippers in locker rooms and public bathing rooms.
• Wash your hands thoroughly using soap after touching infected areas. You should also avoid touching other body parts with contaminated hands.
• Dry your skin well using clean towel after showering.

Visit your doctor or dermatologist right away you start experiencing a reddish and circular patches on your skin. You don’t need to worry about being contagious while on treatment. It will clear up for 3-4 weeks after treatment.

Is Ringworm Itchy

Ringworm of the skin normally start as a red and scaly patch that tend to be very itchy and uncomfortable. Over time, the patch will appear to be raised and circular in shape. The patches seems to have a clearer skin at the center.
When the ringworm affects the foot, it is referred to as athlete’s foot. The rash normally develops in between the toes. You may feel an itchy feeling between the affected toes that may cause an urge to scratch. When the foot or groin area is affected, you may develop a red and inflamed patch and not a ring as you may experience on other parts of your body.
When the scalp is affected, you may develop a small and itchy sores that may resemble pimples. In more severe cases, the itchiness may be accompanied with other symptoms such as small and pus filled sores, crusting and patchy hair loss
When other parts of your skin is affected, the infection may spread to the groin area to cause a jock itch. It may cause itchiness and redness around the groin area. The mostly affected areas are the thighs and some parts of your buttocks. The genitals are really affected.
You may wonder is ringworm contagious and itchy when the nails are affected, the answer is yes. The skin around the nails can become itchy and tender. In most cases, the nails may become whitish, thickened, and brittle, discolored and may start to fall off.

Ringworm Contagious Period

You may be wondering how do you get ringworm. It is a highly contagious infection that can be transmitted from infected person to others through direct skin contact.  You can also get this infection indirectly through touching infected objects and soil. You may also get this infection from pet animals and cows.
Ringworm contagious period starts from incubation up to the time it is treated. The symptoms may take 4 to 14 day or more to appear depending with the type of the body that is affected. There is possibility of spreading this infection during the incubation period even before the symptoms appears. The chances of spreading the infection increases when the symptom develops.
After infection, you may develop various symptoms on the affected parts that includes: itchy skin, a ring shaped patch on the skin, red rash, scaly skin, cracks on the affected skin and loss of hair patches on the skin. You may be asking yourself, is ringworm contagious after the symptom disappears. You are declared non-contagious after 24-48 hours of treatment. However, you are at risk of contracting this infection under the following circumstances:

• When you reside in dumpy, humid and crowded places
• If you share personal items such as clothing, beddings, towel, comps and brushes with infected person
• Weakened body immune system as a result of other infections such as HIV and Aids and cancer
• Having direct body contact with infected person, pet animals, objects or soil
• When you involve in activities and sports that encourages direct body contact such as wrestling
• If you are a child who is between the age of 3- 9 years
• Wearing of tight clothing especially the underwear’s.

Is Ringworm Contagious While Being Treated

Ringworm is mostly treated using topical treatment especially when the infection is mild. The doctor may also prescribe you some antifungal cream, lotion or ointment to be applied in the infected patches. While being treated, it will only remain contagious only up to 48 hours. However, during the treatment period, you may be restricted from some activities that encourages direct body contact with other people such as wrestling.
You may also apply topical non-prescribed antifungal medicines. They are also effective on how to get rid of ringworms fast when applied twice a day. Such medicines includes Micatin or Lamisil. When taken they fasten the healing process and ensures that it does not recur a gain. The anti-fungal medications will also prevent it from being contagious.
Infected cats, dogs or cows may remain contagious up to three weeks if the recommended treatments and measure are not taken. You are supposed to minimize exposure of the infected animal to others and your family members until it recovers completely. You may wonder how long does ringworm last after treatment, this condition may take two- four to heal.

Is Ringworm Contagious In Humans

This is a highly contagious fungal infection that is caused by mold-like parasites that lives in dumpy and humid condition. They may also live on the outer layer of your skin. It is transmitted to humans in the following ways:

1. Human to human. This infection is often transmitted by direct skin contact with infected person. Ringworm becomes contagious from the incubation period up to the time it is treated.
2. Animal to human. Different animals such as cows, dogs and cats can also get infected with this condition. You may get infected by touching such animals. For example, during grooming of your pet.
3. Objects to human. You may get ringworms by coming into contact with object that are touched by infected person or are rubbed against infected animals. Sharing of various objects such as towels, beddings, comps and brushes with infected person encourages the spread of ringworms.
4. Soil to human. Although it is rare but there is possibility of contracting it from the soil. Prolonged contact with infected soil may cause an infection.

You may be asking yourself for how long does ringworm stay contagious in human. When you are infected you are likely to spread the infection from the 4^th -14^th day after infection. This infection is highly contagious during the symptom stage. You will remain contagious until you are treated.
Further References;
http://answers.webmd.com/answers/2018825/for-how-long-is-ringworm-contagious
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
http://www.medicinenet.com/is_ringworm_contagious/page2.htm
http://www.beyonddisease.com/how-long-is-ringworm-contagious
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm/basics/causes/con-20021104

How do you get ringworms? Get insights on the definition, causes and symptoms in human being. You will also learn about their appearance from the various pictures that are provided.

What Is Ringworm – Definition

Ringworm is medically known as tinea corporis, it is a fungal infection that affects the top layer of your skin. It normally develops a red circular rash that has a clearer skin in the middle. They are referred to as ringworm from their appearance. They may cause an itchy sensation on the skin or not. They are not actually caused by a parasite or worm as it was previously thought.
Males and children below the age of nine years are commonly affected by ringworms than females. The word ringworm is used to refer to several types of fungal infection. Therefore there are various types of ringworm as described below:
Body ringworm. The body ringworms are sometimes classified as true ringworm. It can affects any part of your skin except the scalp, feet and the facial area that grows beards. They are characterized by a circular rash that may be dry and scaly or moist and crusty.
Scalp ringworm. Also known as tinea capitis, it is common in children and normally affects the scalp. It may form black scaly swollen blisters on the affected areas. The blisters may become filled with pus and forms crusting that may cause bald patches on the head. Severe scalp ringworm may cause scarring and permanent bald patches if not controlled on time.
Groin ringworm. Normally causes red sores on the groin area. The infection may spread to the inner thighs, external genital and to the buttocks.
Ringworm of the nail. It’s also known as tinea unguium, it usually starts to develop on the tips of the toenails. It may cause the toenails to become thick and discolored. The fingernails infection is less common.

How Do You Get Ringworm – In Humans

 Is ringworm contagious? You may have ever noticed a circular ring on your skin at a certain age in your life or you may be suffering from this condition now. This skin condition is a contagious fungal infection that can be contacted in various ways as described below:

1. From one person to the other

Ringworm normally spread from one person to the other through direct skin contact with infected person. This condition is caused by mold-like parasites that may live on the cells of your outer skin layer. The spread of this infection is high in congested areas that encourages skin contact.  This is the major reason to what causes ringworm in children under the age of 9 years who are schooling.

2. From animals to human being

You may also get ringworms by touching an animal that is infected with this condition. Various animal and pets that you keep at home may spread ringworms to human being during grooming. Ringworm is common in animals such as cats, dogs and even cows. You need to be very careful while handling such animals especially when they are infected with this condition.

3. From various objects to human

Sharing of various objects such as towels, brushes, combs, blades, beddings and linen with an infected person may spread the infection to you. Coming into contact with other objects that are touched or rubbed against infected animals and person may also spread ringworms to un-infected individual.

4. From the soil to human being

How do you get ringworm from the soil? Although it is rare but ringworm may also spread to you through direct contact with a highly infected soil. Prolonged contact with such soil may encourage the spread of ringworms.
Adults may also become carrier of ringworm especially the scalp infection without developing any symptom. As you grow you may develop a resistance to such infection. Ringworm carrier person may spread the infection to young children without even knowing. Infected kids will therefore develop the symptoms since their immune system is still developing. Other risk factors that aids in what causes ringworms in human includes the following:

• A very young and old age. Ringworm is common in younger children who are below 9 years and in older ages.
• Certain medical treatments that weaken your immune system such as steroids tablets and chemotherapy also increases the risk of ringworms.
• You are also likely to develop a fungal infection if you are having medical condition that weaken your immune system such as HIV and Aids.
• Poor blood circulation also known as venous insufficiency increases the chances of developing ringworm infection.
• You may also develop ringworm if you have a history of infection in the past.
• Other medical condition such as type 1 diabetes increases the chances of this condition.
• Overweight or obese is also associated with fungal infections.
• African-Caribbean are also at risk of developing scalp infection.
• Artery disorders such as atherosclerosis may also contribute to getting this infection.

The above factors contributes largely on how do you get ringworm. It is advisable to visit your doctor regularly for blood test to check your body immune system and for treatment of other medical condition that may increase the chances of fungal infection.

What Causes Ringworm

Ringworm is an infection that is caused by a fungus. Ringworm is a contagious infection, when you become in contact with the fungi that causes ringworm, they may live and spread on your outer skin layer. This infection is not caused by a worm as it was previously thought.
The fungi are found everywhere especially in warm and moist areas such as washroom, swimming pool and in skin folds on your body. You can get infected if you walk in dumpy areas, sharing of contaminated towels, clothing, sporting equipment’s and direct body contact with infected person or animal.
The various types of ringworms are also caused by different types of fungi. Many individuals are commonly affected by ringworm of the skin that is caused by fungus trichophyton rubrum. This type of fungus is spread from one person to the other. Ringworm of the skin is also caused by fungus microsporum canis that is spread from dogs and cats to human being.
When one part of your body is infected, you are likely to spread the infection to other parts of your body. For example, when you are infected with athlete’s foot fungus, it is likely to spread the groin area to cause jock itch ringworm. It may also spread to the hands to cause tinea manuum.
You may wonder how do you get ringworm. Some people are prone to fungal infection than other. Various factors such the stability of your immune system among others determines the possibility of contacting this skin infection. You are also likely to get ringworms if your family has a history of this infection.

Symptoms of Ringworm

Several days after a fungal infection, you will notice various symptoms of ringworm on different parts of your body. They symptoms may appear on the hands, face, foot, head, and groin areas among other parts. They include the following:

• Itchy, scaly and inflamed skin
• Red circular patches that are redder around the outside with a skin that appears to be normal at the center
• Red patches on the affected areas that has sharply-defined edges

The symptoms may be worse in more severe cases. You may experience:

• Multiple rings that may grow and merge together
• Occurrence of pus filled blisters or sores may develop around the ring
• Patches or ring that is raised slightly above the skin level with inflamed skin inside the ring

The ring may spread to cover a larger area. You may also experience several patches on the same area that may blister to ooze. During this stage, you are likely to spread this infection, but how do you get ringworm? Direct body contact with infected person or infected surfaces may transmit ringworm to un-infected individual.
Ringworm on the face and neck may not appear to be ring- shaped always. You may only notice a swollen, itchy and raised patches that may be scaly or crusted. When the beard area is affected, it may cause some patches of hair breaking.
When the scalp is infected, you may experience several symptoms of ringworm on scalp such as small and itchy patches on the scalp and a patchy hair loss. Severe infection may cause small pus filled blisters on the scalp, bald patches that may be permanent and crusting on the scalp.
Athlete’s foot main symptoms includes, itchy, red, dry and rash that normally develops in the spaces between the toes. A severe condition may cause cracks on the affected areas, swelling, blisters and scaling around your sole.
When you start to experience the above symptoms, it is better to find the various treatments on how to get rid of ringworms before the condition becomes severe. You may be required to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Ringworm Pictures – What Does It Look Like

There are various pictures that shows how do you get ringworm and they look like. From the pictures you are able to see the various parts of your body that may get infected such as the scalp, face, neck, arms, fingers and toes, groin areas and foot.
From the pictures, you are able to notice the various symptoms such as a circular shape, blistering and slightly raised skin above the normal level. The pictures are also showing that the affected areas may be reddish in color. When you pay a close look on the pictures, you will be able to see that the skin inside the circle appears to be healthy.
Further references;
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm/basics/definition/con-20021104
http://www.healthofchildren.com/R/Ringworm.html
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Causes.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/ringworm-of-the-skin-cause
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx