Causes, Symptoms And Cures Of Ringworm
A long time ago people believed that ringworm was caused by infection from a worm and therefore they gave it this name. However it is not at all brought on by a worm. This is caused by a skin fungal infection. The fungi live and spread on the top layer of one’s skin as well as on one’s hair. The fungus loves warm, moist areas and thrives in locker rooms as well as in swimming pools and in folds of the skin.
It is contagious and will spread when there is skin to skin contact with persons or animals that have it. It is also spread when personal items or clothing is shared and even where there is sports equipment sharing.
Sometimes a ring shape will be formed by the rash, but this is not always the case. The main thing is that the rash will be extremely itchy. If the infection has spread to the hands, the skin there will be scaly, dry and thick. The area between the fingers will become damp and open sores will appear on it.
To prevent ringworm you should not share towels, sports gear, clothing or bed linens. If you suspect that you have been exposed to the infection, immediately wash your clothing in hot water and add special anti fungus soap powder or liquid. Always wear sandals or slippers in public bathing regions and in locker rooms. Wash the body and hair very well after any sporting activity where skin contact has been made. Dry your body completely and very well after taking showers or having a bath and make sure to dry your feet last.
You should try to wear loose fitting cotton clothes. Change your underwear and your socks on a daily basis. If you suffer from athlete’s foot, put your socks on before you put on your underwear to prevent the spread of fungi from your feet to your groin region. If your pet has areas of hair missing it could be a sign of a fungus infection and you should take care by taking him or her to a vet as soon as possible. You can get the fungus infection from animals however it is not very common.
To make an effective diagnosis, a medical practitioner will take scrapings from the rash area and will microscopically try to identify and recognize the fungus. Other tests like culture tests will also be done to confirm the diagnosis as well as to find a suitable treatment.
There are some home treatments which are very effective and non-prescription ointments are readily available as well. It should not take too long for the rash to go away once treatment has begun. Always make sure that you use the medication as directed and to complete the course of the treatment or you may find that there will be re-infection. It the ointments and lotions are not effective, you should consider prescribed ointments or lotions. If for whatever reason you decide not to treat the infection, blisters will start forming on the skin and the blister cracks will most certainly become infected. At this point you will have to be given antibiotics.
If there is a case of ringworm in your family or anyone else who is close to you has it, you have to administer treatment to everyone within that family or circle of close associates.
Are you dealing with a pesky ringworm? We know the feeling and we have created some ringworm home remedies just for you. So, get rid of those symptoms!
