Despite its common name, ringworm does not involve worms at all. The actual cause is fungus that takes hold of the skin and lives on the keratin that it contains. The rash does often take the shape of a ring of redness, with healthy looking skin in the middle, but this does not necessarily always occur. This affliction is quite common, and is present in a sizable number of people at any given time.
The body can be infected in any of a number of different areas by this condition, the common characteristic being an itchy red rash. This is caused by the same type of fungus that is responsible for fingernail and toenail fungus, jock itch and athletes foot. The organism takes hold most readily in warm moist areas, such as folds of skin and body parts that are usually covered.
Typically the disease will make itself known by the itchiness and the appearance of the reddened skin in a circular shape. If there is doubt, a doctor can perform tests to determine the nature of the affliction. A culture of cells of the skin can be made, or visual examination under a microscope may be done.
This disease is extremely contagious, so to keep it from spreading to many people, treatment and prevention involve keeping it isolated. It is a good idea not to share sports or other equipment, or towels or clothing, with anyone else. The fungus can be transferred from the feet to other areas of the body, so wearing shoes is important, especially in common areas such as locker rooms. Skin to skin contact should also be avoided, as in sports like wrestling.
Animals with this condition are another possible source of contagion, especially pets like dogs and cats. If an animal has patches of bare skin, which this condition will produce in animals that have fur, avoid petting it or having other contact. If you do get infected by your pet, it will need to be treated as well as you.
There are several over the counter preparations that are used to treat this affliction. All of them contain some variety of anti-fungal medication. If these remedies are not effective in getting rid of the condition, a visit to a physician may be called for. Prescriptions including anti-fungal pills may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
While ringworm is not a serious affliction, it can be unsightly as well as uncomfortable. It is preferable to practice prevention whenever possible, such as personal hygiene and avoiding areas that might be a source of contagion. If, despite taking precautions, the condition does develop, it is important to treat it promptly, and to get rid of the source of it if at all feasible.
The body can be infected in any of a number of different areas by this condition, the common characteristic being an itchy red rash. This is caused by the same type of fungus that is responsible for fingernail and toenail fungus, jock itch and athletes foot. The organism takes hold most readily in warm moist areas, such as folds of skin and body parts that are usually covered.
Typically the disease will make itself known by the itchiness and the appearance of the reddened skin in a circular shape. If there is doubt, a doctor can perform tests to determine the nature of the affliction. A culture of cells of the skin can be made, or visual examination under a microscope may be done.
This disease is extremely contagious, so to keep it from spreading to many people, treatment and prevention involve keeping it isolated. It is a good idea not to share sports or other equipment, or towels or clothing, with anyone else. The fungus can be transferred from the feet to other areas of the body, so wearing shoes is important, especially in common areas such as locker rooms. Skin to skin contact should also be avoided, as in sports like wrestling.
Animals with this condition are another possible source of contagion, especially pets like dogs and cats. If an animal has patches of bare skin, which this condition will produce in animals that have fur, avoid petting it or having other contact. If you do get infected by your pet, it will need to be treated as well as you.
There are several over the counter preparations that are used to treat this affliction. All of them contain some variety of anti-fungal medication. If these remedies are not effective in getting rid of the condition, a visit to a physician may be called for. Prescriptions including anti-fungal pills may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
While ringworm is not a serious affliction, it can be unsightly as well as uncomfortable. It is preferable to practice prevention whenever possible, such as personal hygiene and avoiding areas that might be a source of contagion. If, despite taking precautions, the condition does develop, it is important to treat it promptly, and to get rid of the source of it if at all feasible.
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