Gym Infections Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Dr Phil Kieran: What Can I Do To Prevent My Child From Getting Ringworm Again?

I thought ringworm was a thing of the past, but my 10-year-old son has developed it on his head. The doctor prescribed antifungal medication and we all used ketoconazole shampoo to prevent it from spreading. Can I do anything to ensure he doesn't get it again?

Ringworm is found in people who work with large animals like cattle and horses," a lecturer in college confidently told me, which surprised me, seeing as I had contracted it on my hand the previous year, having never worked with either animal.

Ringworm is a fungal infection (not a worm, despite its name) which can be caused by a number of fungi. These can be spread from large animals but also contracted from soil (how I came by mine) and contact with other people.

It can occur at any stage of life, but scalp ringworm or 'tinea capitis' is most common in children aged three to seven. As in your case, topical antifungals such as ketoconazole can effectively clear the problem, although you often have to use them for an extended period.

As the infection comes under control, the area can return to normal, but the fungus can form spores beneath the skin which can reactivate the ringworm if you do not continue to use the treatment.

As topical treatments can have difficulty penetrating hair follicles, we often prescribe an oral antifungal treatment. If there is any sign of hair loss in the area, we would definitely use oral treatment as this reduces the risk of permanent hair loss.

Usually, ringworm infection is a once-off event in the family. Activities to avoid include working in very damp, dusty or mouldy conditions or with soil or large animals, particularly if there is a break in the skin.

Otherwise, ensuring your skin is in good condition by moisturising if needed and covering up cuts will maximise the protection your skin naturally offers.

Tinea or ringworm can be transferred by sharing items such as hair brushes or towels for drying hair and skin. After treating the condition, I recommend washing all family towels at a high temperature.

If you have any pets in the household it might be a good idea to get them checked by the vet as a possible source of ringworm.

The same type of fungus that causes ringworm can cause athlete's foot. I would always encourage people with athlete's foot to check for signs of early fungal infection in the groin, as fungal spores can be transferred by underwear when put on over bare feet. If there is a fungal infection in the feet but not in the groin, my advice to stop it from spreading is to put on socks before jocks.

If you have a question for Dr Phil, please send it to parenting@examiner.Ie

Everything You Want To Know About Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped infection on the skin. Conditions like eczema and psoriasis can sometimes resemble ringworm, but there are key differences in appearance and treatment.

Ringworm — also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea — is a fungal infection of the skin.

Read on to learn how to recognize when you have ringworm, its symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.

"Ringworm" is actually a misnomer since it's a fungus and not a worm that causes the infection. The lesion caused by this infection resembles a worm in the shape of a ring, which is why it got its name.

Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) or tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). It's sometimes used to describe tinea infection in other locations, such as tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin).

Ringworm initially appears as discolored, often scaly patches on affected areas. These patches typically appear red on lighter skin or brown-gray on darker skin.

Symptoms vary depending on where the infection occurs. With a skin infection, you may experience the following:

itchiness

itchy or scaly patches that are red, brown, or gray, or raised areas of skin called plaques

a round, flat patch of itchy skin

patches that develop blisters or pustules

patches that resemble a ring with deeper color on the outside

patches with edges that are defined and raised

overlapping rings

hair loss

Symptoms by type

Ringworm can look different depending on which part of the body is affected. Doctors call ringworm different names depending on where it appears on the body.

Ringworm of the body: Tinea corporis often appears as patches with the characteristic round ring shape on your torso or limbs.

Ringworm of the scalp: Tinea capitis often starts as isolated scaling in the scalp that develops into itchy, scaly bald patches. It's most common among children. Hair around the affected area may break or fall off, and bald patches may develop.

Ringworm of the beard: Tinea barbae affects your cheeks, chin, and upper neck and can cause bald patches. This may look like acne, folliculitis, or another skin condition. Some people experience fatigue or swollen lymph nodes.

Ringworm of the hand: Tinea manuum is usually caused by touching another affected area, such as your groin or foot. Infection of the hand may look like very dry skin with deep cracks on the palm. If the infection spreads, you may see ring-shaped patches on the back of your hand.

Jock itch: Tinea cruris is a ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It's most common in men and adolescent boys. It usually starts as an itchy red, brown, or gray rash where your leg and body meet. The itching may intensify after exercise and may not improve after using an anti-itch cream such as a steroid cream. The steroid cream could actually worsen the jock itch rash.

Athlete's foot: Tinea pedis is a ringworm infection of the foot. It's frequently seen in people who walk barefoot in public places where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. This starts as dry scaly skin between your toes that may spread to your sole and heel and leads to symptoms like itching, stinging, burning, as well as blistering or peeling skin, along with a foul odor.

Tinea unguium: This is a type of fungal ringworm infection of the nails. It affects toenails more than fingernails, as footwear often provides a moist, warm environment that fungi prefer. The affected nails may become thicker or discolored. They may even begin to crack or lift away from your nail bed.

Symptoms by stage

You won't see ringworm right away when you first pick up the fungus. It can take up to 3 weeks before you start noticing symptoms. Some of the stages you may see include:

Initial stage: During this stage, you may notice a discolored, irritated patch of skin. Sometimes, it just appears very dry and scaly, not necessarily like ringworm.

Second stage: During this stage, you'll notice the lesion starts to grow in size. The center of the rash may resemble healthy skin with a surrounding scaly area.

It's important to start treatment at the first signs of a ringworm infection. If you don't, it may spread and grow.

About 40 different species of fungus can cause ringworm. Most typical are the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton types.

These fungi can live on your skin and other surfaces, particularly damp areas. They may also live for an extended period of time as spores in the soil.

Is ringworm contagious?

Ringworm fungi are very contagious and can spread to humans in four ways:

Human to human: You can get the infection if you come in contact with a person who has ringworm or if you share personal items, such as combs or towels. The infection is commonly spread among children and by sharing items harboring the fungus.

Animal to human: You can get ringworm after touching an affected animal or even items the animal has come in contact with. Cats and dogs are common sources, but other animals, such as farm animals, can spread fungi as well. The animals pick up the fungus spores from the environment, and the spores transfer to whatever the animal's hair touches. According to the American Kennel Club, cats are more prone to getting ringworm than dogs.

Object to human: You may get the infection if you come in contact with an object or surface that has it, such as a telephone or the floor of a public shower. These fungi thrive in damp environments.

Soil to human: Humans and animals can get ringworm after direct contact with soil that is carrying the fungi.

Ringworm is very common among children, adults with weakened immune systems, and owners of dogs or cats.

Will ringworm go away on its own?

Ringworm could go away on its own, but it's likely to take longer than with treatment and is more likely with milder cases. Learn more about the length of contagion for ringworm.

Your doctor may give you a diagnosis of ringworm after examining your skin and possibly using a black light to view the affected area. Depending on the type of fungus, it may sometimes fluoresce (glow) under black light.

Your doctor may confirm a diagnosis of ringworm by requesting certain tests:

If you're getting either a skin biopsy or fungal culture, your doctor will take a sample of your skin or discharge from a blister and send it to a lab to test for the presence of fungus.

If you're getting a KOH exam, your doctor will scrape off a small area of affected skin onto a slide and place drops of a liquid called potassium hydroxide (KOH) on it. The KOH breaks apart typical skin cells, making the fungal elements easier to see under a microscope.

The treatment will depend on the type of ringworm you have and what part of your body it affects.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antifungals depending on the severity of your ringworm infection and what part of your body it affects.

They may also recommend OTC medications and antifungal creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or related ingredients.

While getting treatment, make sure to wash your bedding and clothing daily to help disinfect your surroundings. Dry your skin thoroughly after bathing and wear only loose clothing in the affected areas.

Take an in-depth look at ringworm treatments.

Home remedies

People have long used home remedies for ringworm such as apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, turmeric, and certain essential oils.

However, these treatments are not scientifically proven, so it's a good idea to consult a doctor before trying them. Home remedies shouldn't replace known antifungal treatments.

Learn more about home remedies for ringworm.

Treatment during pregnancy

If you get ringworm during pregnancy, there are topical medications such as ciclopirox (Loprox), clotrimazole (Lotrimin), and oxiconazole (Oxistat).

These drugs aren't known to cause problems for a baby. However, consult your doctor before using any medications while pregnant. Doctors usually don't recommend oral medications like ketoconazole and miconazole due to their potential side effects during pregnancy.

You should also talk with your doctor before using any medications if you're breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Anyone can get ringworm, but you may be more at risk if you:

live in a warm, humid environment or climate

participate in contact sports, like wrestling or football

use public showers or locker rooms

come in close contact with animals

wear tight shoes or clothes that chafe your skin

have diabetes

have obesity or are overweight

sweat excessively

have a weakened immune system

go barefoot in public showers or pools

Practicing healthy and hygienic behaviors can help prevent ringworm. Infections may come from contact with animals and lack of hygiene. Several tips to prevent ringworm include:

washing your hands after interacting with an animal

disinfecting and cleaning pet living areas

limiting contact with people or animals with ringworm if you have a weakened immune system

wearing shoes if showering or walking in community areas

not sharing personal items like clothing, towels, or hairbrushes with people who might have ringworm

changing your socks and underwear at least once a day

keeping your gear and uniform clean if you play sports

keeping your skin clean and dry

To reduce the chance of transmission, it's also important to avoid prolonged water exposure in public showers orpools because wet skin can make you more susceptible to infection.

If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other areas of your body. You may also risk spreading the infection to someone else. Other potential complications include:

hair loss and scarring

dark marks left on your skin, particularly on darker skin

nail deformities

secondary infection if any bacteria entered broken skin

Majocchi's granuloma — a rare infection where the fungus has made its way to deeper layers of the skin

The complications of tinea capitis can be worrisome because it can produce lifelong permanent hair loss. When considering these potential complications, it's best to treat ringworm as quickly as possible.

Two skin conditions can resemble ringworm. They are:

Nummular eczema: This kind of eczema is similar to ringworm because it also causes round or coin-shaped lesions on your skin. Often, the only way to tell the difference is to have your doctor take samples of the skin cells and send them to a laboratory for testing.

Plaque psoriasis: This is a disorder causing inflammatory plaques on your skin. Small, isolated plaques can sometimes look similar to ringworm.

Learn more about the differences between ringworm, nummular eczema, and psoriasis.

Skin medications may clear ringworm on your torso and limbs in 2–4 weeks.

If you're experiencing severe dermatophytosis that isn't responding to OTC treatments or home remedies, or if you suspect a tinea infection of your scalp or hair follicles, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills to clear up the infection.

Most people respond positively to treatment.

Treating Ringworm: Home Remedies For This Common Monsoon Problem

As the monsoon season arrives, so does the risk of various skin infections, and one of the most common ones is ringworm. Ringworm, also identified as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection that impacts the nails, scalp, and skin. It is highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact or by sharing personal items, such as towels or clothing. While medical treatment is often necessary to completely eradicate ringworm, several effective home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Causes of Ringworm During Monsoon

The monsoon season provides the perfect environment for the growth and spread of fungi, including the ones responsible for causing ringworm. The warm and humid weather creates an ideal breeding ground for these organisms. Additionally, increased sweating and dampness due to rainfall contribute to the proliferation of fungi on the skin.

Furthermore, during the monsoon season, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can lead to close contact with others and sharing of personal items. This facilitates the transmission of ringworm from one person to another.

Also Read: Tinea: How To Prevent This Fungal Infection In Summers?

Home Remedies To Treat Ringworm in Monsoon Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties that can help combat ringworm. A review of seven clinical trials conducted in 2004 found that the tea tree oil in ringworm shows some shows potential. To use it, you need to dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil and apply it directly to the affected area using a cotton ball. 

Garlic

Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it an effective remedy for ringworm. To use it, you need to crush a few garlic cloves to extract the juice and apply it to the affected area. After applying, let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties that can help kill the fungi causing ringworm. You can mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply the solution to the affected area using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off and repeat this process twice a day for best results.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions, including ringworm. Create a paste by combining turmeric powder with water and apply it directly to the impacted area.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been a traditional natural remedy for bacterial and fungal infections, including ringworm. It possesses properties that can help alleviate symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort associated with ringworm while effectively treating the infection.

Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply it to the affected area. For immediate relief, leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. Keep repeating this procedure every day until the infection subsides.

Also Read: Ayurveda For Ringworm Infection: 5 Herbs To Treat This Skin Problem

Coconut Oil

The antifungal properties of coconut oil should not be overlooked, as a study published by the Journal of Medical Food discovered its effectiveness in treating drug-resistant Candida species. It may even surpass other over-the-counter remedies in its efficacy. Apply pure coconut oil to the affected area and gently massage it in. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before rinsing it off.

Conclusion

Ringworm can be an uncomfortable and unsightly condition, but with the right approach, it can be effectively treated at home. While these home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if the infection persists or worsens. 

Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, and wearing breathable clothing, can go a long way in preventing the spread of ringworm during the monsoon season.

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment as per your health needs.]

Image Credits: freepik

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