What Causes Ringworm And How To Avoid Getting It

Ringworm is one of the most common skin infections

. Because of its name, a lot of people believe that ringworm is caused by a parasitic worm from underneath the skin. In reality, ringworm symptoms are caused by a kind of fungus called tinea. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas like the scalp, the groin (jock itch), sweaty areas of the human body, and between folds of skin. although it can sometimes show up on the arms and legs.

It is often indicated by a slight discoloration of the skin, also accompanied by mild to severe itching. The infected area is also scaly, and usually seen in the form of big spots with reddish edges.

Another way for ringworm to be transmitted is through direct contact with items used by someone that is already infected. Clothes, bed sheets, hair combs, kitchen utensils, even chairs and toys. The fungus sticks to these things long enough until someone else uses them and gets infected. This is why it is common among family members to get infected at the same time. If one family member manages to remove the infection, fungus from other people in the house are still present, resulting in a continuous cycle of infection.

Children can get infected by ringworm through household pets. Pets can also suffer from ringworm because cat and dog fur provide an excellent breeding ground for ringworm, and children usually stroke the fur, their hands then touch other parts of their body, further spreading the infection. Pets that regularly go indoors leave ringworm spores on couches and carpets.

Another, although less common source of infection is the soil itself. The fungus doesn't last that long on the ground, but provided that the soil has enough moisture and at the right temperature, tinea will be able to survive. People that walk barefoot are most vulnerable to this method of infection.

Fortunately, preventing ringworm infection is very simple. Simply keep your home properly cleaned on a regular basis. Topical anti-fungal medicine is readily available in every drugstore and usually works in a few days. If you are infected, keep your belongings to yourself to avoid spreading it to other people. Keeping your pets well groomed also prevents the fungus from growing in their fur.

Maintain good personal hygiene to decrease chances of infection, and finally, avoid going barefoot outdoors or in public washrooms, as an infected person might leave ringworm spores on the wet floor.

What Causes Ringworm And How To Avoid Getting It

By: Mary J Boyle

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