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Ringworm Prevention
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin. Fungi are tiny plants that survive by eating plant or animal material. The ringworm fungi feed on keratin found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive best on skin that is moist, hot, and lacks exposure to light. When this fungal infection is found on the feet, it is called athlete's foot; when it is found in the groin, it is called jock itch; and when it is found on the body, it is called ringworm.
The incubation period is unknown for most of these agents, however ringworm of the scalp is usually seen 10 to 14 days after contact, and ringworm of the body is seen four to 10 days after initial contact.
Ringworm prevention is not easy and it cannot be completely avoided. Though it is also not extremely common. Fungus is present in almost all areas of our environment. Soil, animals, carpeting, shoes, people, and a whole host of fungal sources are present in our everyday lives. Avoiding exposure is certainly the best measure to ringworm prevention. Because these fungi thrive best on skin that is moist, hot, and hidden from the light, dressing to keep the skin cool, dry, and light can also help prevent this infection.
There are other measures and practices that can be implemented to reinforce ringworm prevention.
- Avoid contact with a known infected person. If contact cannot be avoided, wash your hands carefully with soap and water.
- Avoid sharing brushes and combs with anyone infected with ringworm
- Avoid wearing hats or using head-rests where fungus may be present
- Avoid walking barefoot on damp locker room floors
- Avoid contact with infected animals. Dogs are believed to carry ringworm less frequently than cats.
The classic ringworm rash begins as a dry, raised, round patch, which may be slightly red. The patch may also be somewhat itchy. As it grows, the center of the patch clears, leaving a ring-like appearance. Not all children display this central clearing. In fact, there is wide variability in the way ringworm can appear from person to person.
Ringworm can be very contagious making prevention all the more difficult. Ringworm can be caught from other humans, both by direct contact and by prolonged contact with flakes of shed skin (from sharing clothes or from house dust, for instance). Wrestlers commonly spread it back and forth with their sweaty contact (tinea gladiatorum!).
Without treatment, most cases of ringworm would disappear spontaneously within several months, but they can become chronic. Infection of the skin surface frequently responds well to topical over-the-counter remedies or other anti-fungal medications. Usually these are applied several times a day after washing and drying the area. Read the label for the correct frequency recommended. And do NOT think that the infection is gone the instant the lesions start to fade (often after 7 days)! Treatment must be continued for another two to three weeks in order for complete cure. As soon as treatment has begun it's fine for your child to play with others, but it's best not to share clothing or to let other children rub the infected area.
Ringworm is often diagnosed by the history and physical examination and rapid response to treatment. The diagnosis can be confirmed by looking at skin scrapings under the microscope, where the fungus is visible. Also, ringworm lesions do not glow under ultraviolet light.
When fungus is found in the nails or on the scalp, the infection is much more difficult to eliminate and makes ringworm prevention all the more difficult as well. Prolonged treatment with a prescription oral anti-fungal medicine, as well as other topical treatments, is usually necessary. Scalp ringworm is a major cause of hair loss, and should be treated aggressively.
If you think your pet may be involved, contact your veterinarian to get up-to-date information on the best treatment for animals.
