About this topic
Ringworm is a skin infection. It is caused by a germ. It is not caused by a worm. The infected skin is often shaped like a ring with reddish edges. The center may be flaky, dry, and itchy. You can have ringworm on all parts of your body. It is common on your body, face, and scalp. You may also have it on your hands, fingernails or toenails, or in your beard. Jock itch is the name for ringworm in your groin area. Athletes foot is the name for ringworm on your feet. ‚
This infection spreads easily from one person to another. You can get it by touching other people or by touching things that they have touched. The germs can also be spread by pets. ‚
Most often, ringworm can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Sometimes, the doctor will order drugs to clear up the infection. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep your skin clean and dry. Shower every day. Dry yourself well after showering.
- Wear loose clothing that will not rub and bother the infected area.
- Change your clothes and sheets every day while you are infected.
- Wash anything that has touched your rash in hot water. This includes towels, brushes, hats, and clothing.
- Do not scratch the rash. Scratching may cause it to spread or get infected.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Kill the fungus
- Help with itching
Will physical activity be limited?
Do not play sports where you have to touch other people, like wrestling, until your rash is gone. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Open sores
- Infection
- Scarring
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands regularly. Wash for 20 seconds with soap and running water.
- Clean exercise equipment at the gym before you use it.
- Shower after playing sports where you touch other people.
- Wear slippers or sandals in public areas like spas, locker rooms, and gym showers.
- Dry yourself well after showering. Dry your feet last. Make sure you dry in between your toes.
- Do not share personal items like towels, slippers, shoes, combs, and clothing.
- Do not touch your pets if they have bald spots. Take them to the vet to check for ringworm.
- Use talcum powder to control sweaty feet and hands.
- Change your socks and underwear every day.
- Watch other members of your family carefully for signs of ringworm. It is very easy to catch ringworm from other people.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Infected area spreads after treatment
- Infected area is red, warm, tender, and swollen, or you get sores that break open
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will care for my skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if my infected area is warm, red, tender, swollen, or has sores that break open.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/dermatophytes/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/fungal/ringworm.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚