How to Identify and Treat Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin infection sparked by a fungus.
It’s easily identifiable by a circular, ring-shaped rash.
Children are especially susceptible to ringworm.
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Ringworm can also be passed from animals and pets, especially puppies and kittens.
It is even possible to get ringworm from objects (by sharing hats, for example).
This article will explain how to recognize, treat, and prevent ringworm.
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It also covers rare serious complications of this common fungal skin disease.
Types of Ringworm
Ringworm is so-named because of its circular shape.
Also known astineaordermatophytosis, it is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair, and nails.
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It has nothing to do with worms.
Sometimes, though, ringworm symptoms can be confused with otherskin rashes.
Some ringworm infections developvesicles(fluid-filled blisters) because of the immune system’s exaggerated response to the infection.
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Ringworm can look different on certain parts of the body.
There may also be boggy, thickened skin and tiny oozing sores on the scalp calledkerions.
What Causes Ringworm?
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Approximately 40 different species of fungi cancause ringworm, according to the CDC.
The scientific names for these fungi areTrichophyton, Microsporum, andEpidermophyton.
These dermatophytes survive on dead keratin, a protein in the top layer of theepidermis.
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How Ringworm Is Diagnosed
Ringworm infection is pretty self-apparent, given its unmistakable appearance.
Mostdermatologistscan diagnose ringworm simply by looking at it.
If there is any doubt, a simple, in-office test scaleKOH testcan provide definitive proof.
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The chemical breaks down everything but the fungus, making it easier to identify.
Sometimes, a dermatologist will use a special light called aWood’s lampto diagnose a fungal infection.
When illuminated by the ultraviolet light, the fungus will look blue-green.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
How Ringworm Is Treated
Ringworm doesn’t always go away on its own and should be treated.
Prognosis
Fungal infections of the skin can be itchy and uncomfortable and even cause unsightly lesions.
Summary
Ringworm (tinea) is a common fungal skin infection that causes a ring-shaped rash.
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