Healthy Living

Ringworm

Ringworm is not caused by a worm. Ringworm infections are caused by a fungus. The kinds of fungi (fungi is the plural of fungus) that cause ringworm live and spread on the top layer of the skin and on the hair. Because Ringworm is contagious, meaning it can spread from one person to another easily, if you think you or someone in your family might have it is important to see your doctor.

How Ringworm Spreads

It spreads when you come into close contact with a person or by touching an infected dog or cat, although this form of ringworm is rare. It can also spread when you share hats, combs, brushes, towels, clothing, and other items. While Ringworm of the scalp occurs in children and adults all over the world, it is most common in young children. If an adult gets ringworm, he or she will most likely become a carrier of the ringworm fungus. Carriers can pass ringworm on to others but do not have symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of Ringworm

On the scalp, ringworm often looks like round, bald patches. Most often, the infection spreads outward while the inside of the circle clears up. This makes the infection look like a ring. The name “ringworm” comes from this pattern, but sometimes Ringworm doesn't always make a ring pattern. Sometimes it just looks like dandruff. In some cases the hair breaks off, leaving stubble that looks like black dots. In the most severe cases, the infected area is swollen, red, crusty, and painful, with small bumps that look like blisters. Sometimes swollen lymph nodes and fever occur with ringworminfections.

Treating Ringworm

Ringworm of the scalp or beard is easy to treat. Your doctor will prescribe pills that will kill the fungus. You can also use special shampoo to keep ringworm from spreading to others. If you treat ringworm early, the hair in the bald spots will probably grow back. If you don't treat it, the bald spots could be permanent. Ringworm can come back, so be sure to:

• Throw away your old combs and brushes so you won't spread the infection.
• Try to keep your skin clean and dry.
• Don't share hats, combs, or brushes.

Children with ringworm can still go to school, as long as they are taking pills to kill the fungus. You do not need to shave children’s heads to treat them.

For more information on Ringworm and other fungal infections visit the web site below or click on the following links:

• Ringworm of the Skin
• Athlete's Foot
• Diaper Rash
• Fungal Nail Infections

BC Health Guide
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbase/topic/major/hw65465/descrip.htm

Source:
BC Health Guide
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbase/topic/major/hw65465/descrip.htm