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Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldn’t be used to treat ringworm. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone else’s skin. This common and contagious skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque (a type of scaly rash).

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There is a spreading outbreak of extensive and drug-resistant ringworm in many countries Symptoms of ringworm include itching, redness, and a characteristic ring-shaped rash. Contact a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis.
Lesions typically appear red on light skin and look gray or brown on darker skin Multiple lesions might be present. The classic ringworm lesion is an erythematous, raised, scaly ring with central clearing. Onychomycosis is estimated to affect around 14% of the general population and is especially common in older adults.
Since it can be confused with other types of rashes and skin conditions, diagnostic testing is recommended. The infection often looks like a circular, scaly rash. If required, they can often be cleared more quickly with treatment.
Not all ringworm treatments are suitable for everyone. This would normally be used for no more than seven days and an antifungal cream might need to be used alone for a time afterwards. An antifungal cream can be bought betsomnia casino from pharmacies over the counter (OTC) or prescribed. This leaflet just deals with ringworm of the skin (sometimes called tinea corporis).

Additional Common Questions

• Ringworm can appear on different parts of the body including the scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and groin (jock itch).
• The infection is caused by fungi, known as dermatophytes, that thrive on the skin, hair, and nails.
• Sometimes only one patch of infection occurs.
• Contact a healthcare provider for an appropriate diagnosis.
• On rare occasions, the ringworm fungus goes deeper into your skin, making it even harder to treat.
• The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months.
• Ringworm can be unpleasant, but antifungal medications will help you get rid of the fungus that causes ringworm.

You might be surprised to learn that a fungus — and not a worm — causes ringworm. Let your child’s teachers know they have ringworm. Ringworm is caused by a type of fungi. It’s important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away. Speak to a pharmacist first if you think you have ringworm.

What are the complications of ringworm?

Both ringworm and eczema cause itchy, red skin. Eczema and many other skin conditions can resemble ringworm. While ringworm is present on your skin, you’re still contagious to others. Although ringworm can go away by itself, it’s not common. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading. The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months.
Your pregnancy care provider can discuss potential risks and benefits with you. Ringworm fungus won’t affect your pregnancy. You’re sure to have questions if you or your child develop ringworm. The fungus can live on towels, clothes, sheets and household surfaces for months. Scalp ringworm can lead to a painful inflammation called kerion. Ringworm will go away if you treat it appropriately.
Avoid contact with infected people or animals. A pharmacist can diagnose ringworm, so they should be consulted first and they will tell you whether or not GP advice is needed. The cream should be applied to the affected areas for as long as advised.

• In most cases, ringworm develops into a rounded, red, inflamed patch of skin.
• (It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungal germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair.
• Globally, fungal skin infections are estimated to affect more than 650 million people at any time and of these, ringworm accounts for over half the cases (1).
• Ringworm has different names based on where it appears on your body — and it can appear just about anywhere.
• Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months.

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An antifungal medicine taken by mouth is sometimes prescribed if the ringworm infection is widespread or severe. For ringworm skin that is particularly inflamed, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream combined with a mild steroid cream. These are good at clearing fungal skin infections such as ringworm. Generally speaking, ringworm and other fungal skin infections are contagious, but not especially so.

You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. This might be tablets, cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is. The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. Diagnostic testing, appropriate prescribing, and patient education helps preserve the limited antifungal medication options. Antimicrobial-resistant ringworm is emerging and is a current public health concern. On examination, ringworm may be difficult to distinguish from other skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema.

Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, and the symptoms may vary depending on the location of the infection. There is a growing worldwide problem of ringworm or tinea extensively affecting the body, tinea corporis. Unlike ringworm, eczema isn’t contagious and doesn’t spread from one area to another on your body. Oral antifungal medications appear to be safe to take during pregnancy. It’s a fungal infection that gets its name from its ring-like border.
In addition to medication, keeping the affected area clean and dry can help promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. Tinea pedis infections are often endemic in heavy industries and can result in loss of work and complications due to secondary infection. Tinea is one of the commonest dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin disease in developing countries.