Despite its name ringworm in humans and animals is not caused by worms, or for that matter, any kind of animal. Ringworm is actually a fungal infection. And it does not discriminate between humans and animals. Both are equally susceptible to it. Ringworm gets its name from the shape of the rash itself, which appears as a reddish ring on the surface of the skin.
The trademark appearance of ringworm on humans is the round, raised and reddish irritation on the skin with normal skin in the center. In addition the rash may be crust like to the touch. The human head is also prone to catch this fungal infection, especially the scalp. Although ringworm of the scalp can show up as the signature round circle ring, it may also show itself as a small sore similar to a pimple that slowly enlarges over time.
One of the unsightly side effects of the ringworm fungus on the scalp is that it creates bald spots. What happens is the hair underneath the scalp of the infected area becomes and then breaks off at the base. Another very common type of ringworm in humans is athletes foot. Although it does not have the same ring-like look as ringworm it still can show up as a red crusty rash that is very itchy. Fortunately most athletes food is not hard to treat and over the counter treatments generally will easily clear it up. No matter which type of ringworm you encounter, one thing must be noted; all ringworm is very contagious and can spread easily through direct or indirect contact.
The most common way to catch ringworm is through direct contact with another human or animal that has the infection. And because the fungus can remain dormant for extended periods of time, it can be passed by coming into contact with infected objects, such as clothing, furniture or other fixtures. Ringworm also has a long incubation period (10 days) so it is often difficult if not impossible to determine where it was originally contracted. The fastest way to get rid of ringworm (though not necessarily the most inexpensive) is getting a diagnosis from a doctor so the correct treatment can be prescribed.
Cover the spot(s) with a band-aid or clothing. Make sure that you continue treatment for the entire length of time that you doctor suggests even if the rash has disappeared. You should also wash all of your bedding or any house hold fabric that has come into contact with the rash with bleach and hot water. Repeat the treatment if the uncovered rash comes into contact with you house hold items again. Avoid your rash coming into contact with any other pets or people.
Ringworm, though not necessarily painful, is extremely itchy. And scratching the rash and then touching yourself or something else is how it spreads. You must not scratch. This is easier said then done, however, as ringworm is an incredibly itchy rash. Even with treatment the rash generally remains very itchy for up to five days. After that point, with treatment, the rash and itchiness should slowly subside.
The most important thing you can do in treating your ringworm is to make sure you are diligent in all your treatment and efforts until you have fully eliminated the fungus. If this is not done correctly, ringworm will likely reappear and the process must start all over again. No one wants to get ringworm twice.
The trademark appearance of ringworm on humans is the round, raised and reddish irritation on the skin with normal skin in the center. In addition the rash may be crust like to the touch. The human head is also prone to catch this fungal infection, especially the scalp. Although ringworm of the scalp can show up as the signature round circle ring, it may also show itself as a small sore similar to a pimple that slowly enlarges over time.
One of the unsightly side effects of the ringworm fungus on the scalp is that it creates bald spots. What happens is the hair underneath the scalp of the infected area becomes and then breaks off at the base. Another very common type of ringworm in humans is athletes foot. Although it does not have the same ring-like look as ringworm it still can show up as a red crusty rash that is very itchy. Fortunately most athletes food is not hard to treat and over the counter treatments generally will easily clear it up. No matter which type of ringworm you encounter, one thing must be noted; all ringworm is very contagious and can spread easily through direct or indirect contact.
The most common way to catch ringworm is through direct contact with another human or animal that has the infection. And because the fungus can remain dormant for extended periods of time, it can be passed by coming into contact with infected objects, such as clothing, furniture or other fixtures. Ringworm also has a long incubation period (10 days) so it is often difficult if not impossible to determine where it was originally contracted. The fastest way to get rid of ringworm (though not necessarily the most inexpensive) is getting a diagnosis from a doctor so the correct treatment can be prescribed.
Cover the spot(s) with a band-aid or clothing. Make sure that you continue treatment for the entire length of time that you doctor suggests even if the rash has disappeared. You should also wash all of your bedding or any house hold fabric that has come into contact with the rash with bleach and hot water. Repeat the treatment if the uncovered rash comes into contact with you house hold items again. Avoid your rash coming into contact with any other pets or people.
Ringworm, though not necessarily painful, is extremely itchy. And scratching the rash and then touching yourself or something else is how it spreads. You must not scratch. This is easier said then done, however, as ringworm is an incredibly itchy rash. Even with treatment the rash generally remains very itchy for up to five days. After that point, with treatment, the rash and itchiness should slowly subside.
The most important thing you can do in treating your ringworm is to make sure you are diligent in all your treatment and efforts until you have fully eliminated the fungus. If this is not done correctly, ringworm will likely reappear and the process must start all over again. No one wants to get ringworm twice.
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Having trouble getting rid of your ringworm7 days? Visit? Human ringworm can be a real challenge. For more information on how to cure your ringworm visit RingwormRemedy.slhost3.com and sign up for our Free "10 Steps to Curing Ringworm" email mini-course.
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