As one of the more common ailments that affects the skin, the condition known as ringworm is surrounded with a bit of misunderstandings. The issue is actually very common, with estimates that indicate as much as 20% of the population may have the condition at one time or another.
Many people believe that the condition is caused by the appearance of parasitic worms. This is due largely to the shape of the rash. This problem has nothing to do with worms, but instead is caused by a type of fungus that is spread very easily. This fungus feeds on a substance called keratin. Keratin is a term referring to the surface of the epidermis comprised of dead skin tissue.
Although it can be found almost anywhere, the fungus tends to thrive in tropical or warm environments. It is a very common problem for those who participate in sports that require physical contact through which it is easily spread from competitor to competitor. It can also be spread through the use of sports equipment that an infected individual has used recently.
The name "ringworm" comes from the classic manifestation of the symptoms. These symptoms typically begin as an itchy rash. In time that rash will begin to exhibit a raised border that usually takes the form of a ring or a circle. These rashes tend to inhabit the chest, legs, arms, feet, hands, groin and even the fingernails.
Prevention is ideal, however, it is sometimes very difficult. The best method of prevention is to simply learn to identify the problem and to avoid physical contact with individuals who seem to exhibit the symptoms. Unfortunately, the fungus can be present without identifiable symptoms. Other preventative methods include proper hygiene, wearing clean clothes, and avoiding used sports equipment.
There are treatment options available in the form of medications like pills and topical ointments. The treatments are generally very effecting and usually take care of the problem within a couple of weeks. However, it is advised that you continue treatment for about a week after the infection has resided. This is an effort to make sure that the fungus is completely eradicated.
It is advisable that you seek medical help if you or someone close to you seems to have developed symptoms of infection. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is that the problem is easily misidentified, which can lead to improper treatment. The other reason is that prescription medications are usually needed, as over-the-counter options usually lack the strength to kill the fungus. If approached properly, the issue should subside within a couple of weeks.
Many people believe that the condition is caused by the appearance of parasitic worms. This is due largely to the shape of the rash. This problem has nothing to do with worms, but instead is caused by a type of fungus that is spread very easily. This fungus feeds on a substance called keratin. Keratin is a term referring to the surface of the epidermis comprised of dead skin tissue.
Although it can be found almost anywhere, the fungus tends to thrive in tropical or warm environments. It is a very common problem for those who participate in sports that require physical contact through which it is easily spread from competitor to competitor. It can also be spread through the use of sports equipment that an infected individual has used recently.
The name "ringworm" comes from the classic manifestation of the symptoms. These symptoms typically begin as an itchy rash. In time that rash will begin to exhibit a raised border that usually takes the form of a ring or a circle. These rashes tend to inhabit the chest, legs, arms, feet, hands, groin and even the fingernails.
Prevention is ideal, however, it is sometimes very difficult. The best method of prevention is to simply learn to identify the problem and to avoid physical contact with individuals who seem to exhibit the symptoms. Unfortunately, the fungus can be present without identifiable symptoms. Other preventative methods include proper hygiene, wearing clean clothes, and avoiding used sports equipment.
There are treatment options available in the form of medications like pills and topical ointments. The treatments are generally very effecting and usually take care of the problem within a couple of weeks. However, it is advised that you continue treatment for about a week after the infection has resided. This is an effort to make sure that the fungus is completely eradicated.
It is advisable that you seek medical help if you or someone close to you seems to have developed symptoms of infection. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is that the problem is easily misidentified, which can lead to improper treatment. The other reason is that prescription medications are usually needed, as over-the-counter options usually lack the strength to kill the fungus. If approached properly, the issue should subside within a couple of weeks.
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