Ringworm

in Arlington, VA

What Are the Types of Ringworm?

The fungus that causes ringworm can grow on your feet (“athlete’s foot”) or your groin, upper thighs, or buttocks (“jock itch”). When it grows anywhere else on your body, such as your scalp, beard, hands, or fingernails, it’s known as ringworm.

Who Can Get Ringworm?

Ringworm affects people of all ages, especially children.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Ringworm?

Ringworm usually begins as a red, scaly patch or bump and develops into a ring pattern over time. The rings may have raised, scaly, or bumpy borders with a clear center. The skin affected by ringworm may crack, flake, or peel. The rash may also itch, sting, or burn.

Ringworm of the scalp or beard often looks like round, bald patches. It can also appear as dandruff, patches of black dots (the stubble of broken-off hairs), or red, swollen, crusty areas with small bumps that look like blisters.

Sometimes, ringworm of the scalp causes a pus-filled mass known as a kerion. When your scalp is infected, you may also have swollen lymph nodes in your neck or near the back of your head.

What Are the Risk Factors of Ringworm?

You’re more likely to develop ringworm if you:

• Have close contact with an infected person or animal
• Share personal items (such as clothing, towels, hairbrushes, or bedding) with someone who has a fungal infection
• Participate in sports with frequent skin-to-skin contact, such as football or wrestling
• Wear tight or restrictive clothing
• Live in a warm climate
• Have certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity
• Have a weak immune system

Can There Be Ringworm Complications?

Fungal infections like ringworm rarely spread below the surface of the skin or cause serious illness. However, people with weak immune systems (such as those with HIV/AIDS) may have difficulty getting rid of ringworm.

How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?

Visiting a dermatologist is key to diagnosing ringworm. In addition to checking the infected area, your Forefront dermatologist will examine the rest of your body to confirm the fungus has not spread. We may also send a tiny sample of your infected skin, hair, or fingernail to the lab for confirmation.

How Do Dermatologists Treat Ringworm?

If over-the-counter antifungal products don’t provide enough relief, your Forefront dermatologist can prescribe an antifungal medicine. Mild cases of ringworm often respond well to antifungal creams or ointments, which are applied directly to the skin. More severe ringworm cases may require taking antifungal pills for several weeks.

Be sure to use the medicine for as long as recommended, even if your rash seems to be getting better. Otherwise, the infection can come back and spread to other parts of your body.

How Can I Prevent Ringworm?

Aside from following your Forefront dermatologist’s treatment plan, you can help prevent ringworm by:

• Washing your hands often
• Keeping shared areas clean (especially bathrooms)
• Washing sports gear and uniforms frequently
• Avoiding animals with patches of missing fur
• Never sharing personal items with others