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Ringworm is part of the fungal infection family that includes Athlete's Foot. It is the result of the imbalanced proliferation of fungi known as dermatophytes.
My previous article titled Essential Guide to Beating Ringworm' outlined the types, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of ringworm. We will now explore the condition further by explaining the onset signs, risk factors and diagnosis of this type of skin infection.
Recognising the Onset of Ringworm
Ringworm of the skin commonly starts as a small patch of itchy, red, or scaly skin. It often appears as a circle, hence the origin of the term. If left untreated, the rash can spread to cover large areas of your body, causing discomfort.
If the infection gets worse, the ring-shaped patterns and their red-brown colour will become more pronounced. Skin blisters and cracks can occur in more serious cases, which can potentially become infected with bacteria and thus cause further complications.
Be aware that clothing which rubs against your skin can irritate the rash. In addition, sweat, heat and humidity can also make the itching and infection worse.
Ringworm can spread to many different parts of the body, including the feet, nails, scalp, or beard.
The Risk Factors That Encourage Ringworm
You may be more susceptible to contracting ringworm in the following cases:
* You come into contact with a person who has the condition it's important to know that some people can be carriers and pass it on without ever exhibiting physical symptoms.
* You've had a previous fungal infection.
* You're biologically susceptible to fungal infections.
* You live in a damp, warm climate.
* Your skin is left moist for prolonged periods, such as by staying in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothes.
* You wear tight-fitting clothes that do not allow your skin to breathe sufficiently.
* You have a weakened immune system due to other medical conditions such as AIDS, cancer or diabetes.
Diagnosing Ringworm
While most often ringworm is effectively tackled by an over-the-counter antifungal medicine which you can buy from your local pharmacy, you're advised to pay a visit to your GP in the following circumstances:
* Your condition has not improved after 2 weeks of treatment with a non-prescription antifungal medicine.
* You have patches of skin that are itchy, red, scaly and display blister-like bumps.
* Signs of bacterial infection develop.
Recognising Signs of Bacterial Infection
These symptoms may include:
* Significant pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat sensation.
* The rash continues to spread, even after treatment.
* Red streaks extending from the affected area.
* A fever of 37.7 C (100 F) or higher, with no other cause.
* Liquid discharge from the infection site.
All in all, any persistent, recurring or severe infection should be looked at by your doctor. Other avenues to seek help and guidance from include a dermatologist, nursing practitioner or paediatrician.
Tests
Your doctor will in most cases easily recognise this type of fungal infection by its ring-shaped rash.
Further tests to confirm the ringworm fungus are:
* A KOH preparation your doctor will take a sample of your skin by lightly scraping the infected area. The sample is then placed on a slide with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and gently heated. If the ringworm fungus cells are present, they will then be clearly identifiable under the microscope.
* A fungal culture this test is used to identify the exact type of fungus that is causing your rash. It is usually only done if the diagnosis is proving difficult or your skin condition is not responding to treatment. This test can take up to 4 weeks because it will take time for the fungus to grow to the point where it can be distinguished with certainty.
Getting the Best Results from Treatment
Most cases of ringworm can be treated with topical creams or ointments which will kill the fungi that grows on the surface of your skin. As mentioned, these are generally highly effective and can be bought at a pharmacy without the need for a prescription. If this doesn't work, you may then take the alternative route of oral antifungal pills.
Be sure to apply or take the medicine exactly as the label or your GP tells you to, in order to eradicate the fungus thoroughly and prevent it from recurring. Treatment will often take 2 to 4 weeks.
In the worst case scenario, damaged skin can attract bacterial infection, which may require a course of antibiotics.
Conclusion
While ringworm is generally not a serious condition, it's highly advisable to treat it soon as you notice the onset of symptoms, because if it gains hold or escalates to a bacterial infection, it will be much harder to eradicate. It's also important to take the full course of your medical treatment to prevent the fungus from recurring.
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Ringworm is part of the fungal infection family that includes Athlete's Foot. It is the result of the imbalanced proliferation of fungi known as dermatophytes.
My previous article titled Essential Guide to Beating Ringworm' outlined the types, causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of ringworm. We will now explore the condition further by explaining the onset signs, risk factors and diagnosis of this type of skin infection.
Recognising the Onset of Ringworm
Ringworm of the skin commonly starts as a small patch of itchy, red, or scaly skin. It often appears as a circle, hence the origin of the term. If left untreated, the rash can spread to cover large areas of your body, causing discomfort.
If the infection gets worse, the ring-shaped patterns and their red-brown colour will become more pronounced. Skin blisters and cracks can occur in more serious cases, which can potentially become infected with bacteria and thus cause further complications.
Be aware that clothing which rubs against your skin can irritate the rash. In addition, sweat, heat and humidity can also make the itching and infection worse.
Ringworm can spread to many different parts of the body, including the feet, nails, scalp, or beard.
The Risk Factors That Encourage Ringworm
You may be more susceptible to contracting ringworm in the following cases:
* You come into contact with a person who has the condition it's important to know that some people can be carriers and pass it on without ever exhibiting physical symptoms.
* You've had a previous fungal infection.
* You're biologically susceptible to fungal infections.
* You live in a damp, warm climate.
* Your skin is left moist for prolonged periods, such as by staying in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout clothes.
* You wear tight-fitting clothes that do not allow your skin to breathe sufficiently.
* You have a weakened immune system due to other medical conditions such as AIDS, cancer or diabetes.
Diagnosing Ringworm
While most often ringworm is effectively tackled by an over-the-counter antifungal medicine which you can buy from your local pharmacy, you're advised to pay a visit to your GP in the following circumstances:
* Your condition has not improved after 2 weeks of treatment with a non-prescription antifungal medicine.
* You have patches of skin that are itchy, red, scaly and display blister-like bumps.
* Signs of bacterial infection develop.
Recognising Signs of Bacterial Infection
These symptoms may include:
* Significant pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat sensation.
* The rash continues to spread, even after treatment.
* Red streaks extending from the affected area.
* A fever of 37.7 C (100 F) or higher, with no other cause.
* Liquid discharge from the infection site.
All in all, any persistent, recurring or severe infection should be looked at by your doctor. Other avenues to seek help and guidance from include a dermatologist, nursing practitioner or paediatrician.
Tests
Your doctor will in most cases easily recognise this type of fungal infection by its ring-shaped rash.
Further tests to confirm the ringworm fungus are:
* A KOH preparation your doctor will take a sample of your skin by lightly scraping the infected area. The sample is then placed on a slide with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and gently heated. If the ringworm fungus cells are present, they will then be clearly identifiable under the microscope.
* A fungal culture this test is used to identify the exact type of fungus that is causing your rash. It is usually only done if the diagnosis is proving difficult or your skin condition is not responding to treatment. This test can take up to 4 weeks because it will take time for the fungus to grow to the point where it can be distinguished with certainty.
Getting the Best Results from Treatment
Most cases of ringworm can be treated with topical creams or ointments which will kill the fungi that grows on the surface of your skin. As mentioned, these are generally highly effective and can be bought at a pharmacy without the need for a prescription. If this doesn't work, you may then take the alternative route of oral antifungal pills.
Be sure to apply or take the medicine exactly as the label or your GP tells you to, in order to eradicate the fungus thoroughly and prevent it from recurring. Treatment will often take 2 to 4 weeks.
In the worst case scenario, damaged skin can attract bacterial infection, which may require a course of antibiotics.
Conclusion
While ringworm is generally not a serious condition, it's highly advisable to treat it soon as you notice the onset of symptoms, because if it gains hold or escalates to a bacterial infection, it will be much harder to eradicate. It's also important to take the full course of your medical treatment to prevent the fungus from recurring.
Cancer - The Problem and the Solution:
* Discover The Truth About Cancer And How To Eliminate Sickness And Disease Naturally. More details
* Cancer: From Diagnosis To All Clear In 11 Months. More details
* Treating Prostate Cancer Naturally. More details
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