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Ringworm is a collective term for a common fungus infection of the skin which occurs particularly in children. However, people of any age can catch ringworm.


In this article:

What is ringworm?   

Causes   

Treatments

Symptoms   

Diagnosis   

How Chemist Online can help



What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin which usually affects the scalp, toenails and feet. It is not actually caused by a kind of worm – as its name suggests. It is called Ringworm because the infection often appears as a round shape or ring.

Ringworm can appear on the:

Head

Groin

Nails

Feet, and

Beard area



Symptoms

Symptoms of ringworm are scaly red, ring or oval-shaped flaky patches which appear on the skin. They spread from the centre outwards and are usually itchy, tender and painful. The infected areas can also have a slightly raised edge.

Where nails are infected, they can become discoloured and thickened, and scaling skin around the infected area can occur. The nails may also crumble over time.

In the scalp area, hair may be lost inside the ringworm patches with bald circular areas appearing (this can also occur in the beard area). There may be several itchy patches, which can range from a few millimetres to up to 5 centimetres in size.



Causes

Anyone can develop ringworm. It is mostly caused by a group of fungi (plant-like organisms) called dermotophytes which can be picked up from another person, a domestic animal, soil, and even things like household objects which humans and pets that are infected with ringworm have come into contact with, such as: towels, bed linen, clothing and hairbrushes.



Diagnosis

If you suspect that you might be suffering from ringworm or any other kind of fungal infection, seek the advice of your GP. After taking your medical history into account, he or she will then carry out a physical examination of the infected area/s and ask you relevant questions about any other associated symptoms. A small piece of the infected area may be removed for testing and examination under a microscope. However, to avoid waiting time, your GP will probably start you on a course of treatment immediately.



Treatments

Treatments for ringworm include:

Anti-fungal tablets and creams

Anti-fungal shampoo

Anti-fungal nail paints and tablets

These can be bought as over-the-counter products.

Where these prove ineffective, your GP will prescribe a stronger course of treatment such as drugs like imidazoles or terbinafine. Where the infected area is particular severe, you may be prescribed topical corticosteroid which is applied to the skin to soothe the soreness.

To prevent ringworm developing or recurring, always:

Dry yourself thoroughly with a clean, dry towel after bathing and washing

Avoid sharing towels

Wash bedding and nightclothes frequently

Change underwear and socks daily



How Chemist Online can help

Through this website we have a range of anti-fungal products available to buy that provide effective relief from the itching, burning and soreness associated with skin conditions like ringworm, such as: Mycil Ointment and Lamisil Athletes Foot Spray which is particularly effective at relieving itching and soreness in the groin area.



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