Typical Symptoms and Treatment Alternatives for Ringworm

Ringworm is a type of fungal infection affecting the skin as well as other parts of the body. This fungal infection is caused by a certain type of fungus known as dermatophytes. This fungal infection is typically characterized by the presence of round spots in the affected part of the skin. However, it does not necessarily mean that you will develop these distinct round spots on your skin when you have this fungal infection. In order to confirm whether you have ringworm or not is by having a culture test or through evaluation under a microscope of a skin sample. This medical condition can be easily managed and controlled once proper diagnosis is undertaken. You can develop ringworm through direct contact with a person who already has the fungal infection or by using his or her personal belongings such as towels and clothing. While it is a rare case, one can get ringworm through direct contact with a cat or dog that is infected with this fungus. Types of Ringworm Ringworm can affect various parts of our body. The types of ringworm are based on the location of the infection. These are the types based on the infected part of the body:

• Tinea capitis – ringworm affecting the scalp
• Tinea barbae – ringworm affecting the neck and face
• Tinea cruris – ringworm affecting the groin area and also known as jock itch.
• Tinea corporis – ringworm infection affecting the skin of our body.
• Tinea manum – ringworm infection affecting the hands
• Tinea faciei – ringworm infection affecting the face outside of the bearded area.

Signs and Symptoms So, what are the physical signs that would indicate that you might have ringworm? There is a strong chance that you have this fungal infection if you observe any of these signs and symptoms:

• Tiny rounded bald patches in your hair or body. It normally starts as a small pimple
• Coarse and reddish borders of skin circles that appear with white patches in its inner portion
• Presence of red bumps along the edges of the skin circle
• In the more severe types of the fungal infection, you will observe the presence of skin patches that are crusted and inflamed.

Ringworm Treatment There are two approaches in treating ringworm – the use of oral medications and topical treatments. Oral medication is preferred when there is a strong indication that the infection will not respond to ordinary topical treatment. These medications can only be used with the appropriate prescription by your doctor. Topical treatment normally comes in the form of ointments or creams as well as other types of preparation. There are quite a number of brands of ointments and creams that are indicated for this kind of fungal infection. Effective treatment of Tinea will also involve proper soaking and washing of the affected part of the body.