Ringworm Tinea Corporis: What It Looks Like, Causes & Treatment

Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, and the symptoms may vary depending on the location of the infection. There is a growing worldwide problem of ringworm or tinea extensively affecting the body, tinea corporis. Unlike ringworm, eczema isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread from one area to another on your body. Oral antifungal medications appear to be safe to take during pregnancy. It’s a fungal infection that gets its name from its ring-like border. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy. It may look red or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. You can usually buy medicine from a pharmacy to treat it.

Healthy eating

Not all ringworm treatments are suitable for everyone. This would normally be used for no more than seven days and an antifungal cream might need to be used alone for a time afterwards. An antifungal cream can be bought from pharmacies over the counter (OTC) or prescribed. This leaflet just deals with ringworm of the skin (sometimes called tinea corporis). This type of fungus naturally lives on your skin, hair and nails. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication available either over the counter or as a prescription. It's fine for your child to go to school or nursery once they've started treatment.

• Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm.
• You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks.
• Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm.
• Onychomycosis may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked.
• This common and contagious skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque (a type of scaly rash).
• They can look at the rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine.

Antifungal creams and powders

You might be surprised to learn that a fungus — and not a worm — causes ringworm. Let your child's teachers know they have ringworm. Ringworm is caused by a type of fungi. It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away. Speak to a pharmacist first if you think you have ringworm.

• Ringworm fungus won’t affect your pregnancy.
• Since it can be confused with other types of rashes and skin conditions, diagnostic testing is recommended.
• Dermatophytes can also infect nails, leading to a condition known as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).
• On examination, ringworm may be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.
• However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails.
• Tea tree oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties but its effects aren’t well-known.

Emerging severe ringworm

An antifungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the ringworm infection is widespread or severe. For ringworm skin that is particularly inflamed, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream combined with a mild steroid cream. These are good at clearing fungal skin infections such as ringworm. Generally speaking, ringworm and other fungal skin infections are contagious, but not especially so. Still, you should check with your healthcare provider before using over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders. The same fungi that cause ringworm can cause jock itch, athlete's foot, and nail infections. People who have fungal toenail infections often have a fungal skin infection on the foot, especially between the toes. Ringworm, also called tinea, is a common skin infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes.

Management and Treatment

(It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungal germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair. Ringworm is typically treated with antifungal medications. A health-care provider may also take a skin scraping or nail clipping to confirm the diagnosis. The infection is caused by fungi, known as dermatophytes, that thrive on the skin, hair, and nails. Your pregnancy care provider can discuss potential risks and benefits with you. Ringworm fungus won’t affect your pregnancy. You’re sure to have questions if you or your child develop ringworm. The fungus can live on towels, clothes, sheets and household surfaces for months. Scalp ringworm can lead to a painful inflammation called kerion. Ringworm will go away if you treat it appropriately. You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. This might be tablets, cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is. The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. Diagnostic testing, appropriate prescribing, and patient education helps preserve the limited antifungal medication options. Antimicrobial-resistant ringworm is emerging and is a current public health concern. On examination, ringworm may be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.

Antifungal steroid cream

In addition to medication, keeping the affected area clean and dry can help promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. Tinea pedis infections are often endemic in heavy industries and can result in loss of work and betsomnia casino complications due to secondary infection. Tinea is one of the commonest dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin disease in developing countries. Ringworm goes by different names depending on which body part it affects. You get ringworm from contact with an infected person, animal or object. It spreads easily and through close contact.