How Ringworm Affects People

[2] The effects of ringworm

Ringworm is also known as tinea. Ringworm is as infection of the skin that is characterized by reddish to brownish raised patches on the skin. The patch of skin may be lighter in the center which gives it the appearance of a ring. Ringworm isn’t caused by a worm; but by a parasitic fungus. Ringworm usually only affects skin but can also affect the nails and scalp.

Ringworm is very common. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also be spread from contaminated hairbrushes or even using the same toilet seat as an infected individual. Ringworm is contagious, even before any symptoms are shown. Ringworm is also a common infection among domestic animals, and especially farm animals. It is possible for humans to contract ringworm from animals. Ringworm can also be caught form other humans. Be it direct or prolonged contact.

The most commonly know sign of ringworm is the appearance of one or more red, itchy patches. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard bald patches may appear at the area of infection. Ringworm of the scalp start as a small sore that resembles a pimple before it becomes patchy, scaly, and flaky. The place of infection may also become swollen, tender, and red. Ringworm tends to be very itchy and uncomfortable at times. If ringworm affects your feet it’s know as athlete’s foot. A rash appears between the person’s toes and looks patchy. Athlete’s foot may not look like rings at all; it may just appear as red, scaly patches. Ringworm of the nails affects one or more of the nails on your hands or feet. The nails may become thick, yellowish or white, and brittle. Ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms in domestic animals; such as scaling patches and hair loss.

You can treat ringworm with antifungal drugs such as Lamisil. Head & Shoulders shampoo can also be used to treat ringworm of the scalp, because it has pyrithione zinc. You can also use the shampoo as a body wash to treat ringworm on the other areas of your body. Fungal infections may take awhile to clear up, but ringworm usually clears up in about two weeks. You should continue the treatment two weeks after the symptoms disappear to be sure it doesn’t come back.

There are also some folk remedies to treating ringworm. Many of the folk remedies have been