Ringworm Myths
When you hear the term "ringworm," do you imagine tiny worms crawling on your skin? Then you may have fallen prey to one of the many misconceptions about this common skin condition. In reality, ringworm is far less creepy than the name suggests.
In this article, we'll clear up some of the myths about ringworm.
Myth 1: Ringworm is caused by a worm.
Probably the most common ringworm myth, this one stems from the condition's name. Despite its creepy-crawly name, ringworm (also called tinea) is not caused by any worm. The culprit is actually a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which can cause skin infections. Ringworm gets its name from the distinctive ringlike pattern the red spots often form on the skin.
Myth 2: Ringworm only affects the skin.
Although ringworm often appears on the skin, including the scalp, it can also show up on the fingernails or toenails. Ringworm of the nails doesn't create a ringlike pattern. Instead, it turns the nails thick, misshapen, and discolored.
Myth 3: Everyone with ringworm develops red rings on their skin.
Some people who are infected do develop the scaly red ring that gives the condition its name — but not everyone. If you get ringworm infection, you will probably see bumpy red patches around your skin, but they won't necessarily take the shape of rings. On your scalp, ringworm may look more like a flaky red pimple than a ring.
Myth 4: Only children get ringworm.
Children are more likely to get certain types of ringworm, but you can get infected with the fungus at any age. You might get it from playing a sport with a lot of skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling. Or from sharing a towel with someone who is infected. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, might be at a higher risk for severe infection.
Myth 5: Ringworm isn't contagious.
In fact, the opposite is true. Ringworm spreads easily from person to person, especially in communal areas such as locker rooms and neighborhood pools. Ringworm is so contagious that you don't even have to touch someone to get infected. The fungus can linger in places such as locker room floors, as well as on hats, combs, and brushes.
If you share an infected brush or comb, you can develop ringworm of the scalp. The highly contagious nature of the condition is why doctors recommend staying away from anyone who is infected, as well as their personal items.
Myth 6: You'll see symptoms of ringworm right after you're infected.
Ringworm has a long incubation period. The red rash can actually take a few days to appear on your skin. If you have ringworm of the scalp, you may not see any signs for a full two weeks after you were exposed.
Myth 7: You can't catch ringworm from your pet.
Humans and their pets can share several diseases, including ringworm. Not only can you catch ringworm from your cat, dog, rabbit, or bird, but you can also spread it to your pet. That's why it's important to take your pet to the vet if you suspect ringworm. Keep infected pets away from your family as well as from other pets. Also, wash your hands with soap and warm water every time you touch your pet until the infection clears.
Myth 8: A flaky scalp is probably dandruff, not ringworm.
Not necessarily. Sometimes, ringworm of the scalp doesn't produce the signature ring. Instead, the skin becomes scaly and flaky, much like dandruff.
Myth 9: Ringworm is treated with antibiotics.
Antibiotics kill bacteria. So, they won't work on ringworm, which is caused by a fungus. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medicines that you either rub on the skin or take by mouth. Ringworm of the scalp is treated with a special shampoo and an oral antifungal medicine. You may have to keep using whatever medicine you're prescribed for several weeks to fully get rid of the infection.
Myth 10: Once you get ringworm, you can't get it again.
It's common to get infected again, especially with ringworm of the nails. It’s important that you follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan until the infection goes away entirely. Otherwise, the ringworm can come back.
Ringworm Facts
Now that we’ve busted some myths about ringworm, let’s get down to the facts.
Fact 1: Ringworm is easy to treat.
You can usually treat mild cases of ringworm with an antifungal cream, gel, or powder. Some are available over the counter, but if your case is more severe, you might need a prescription cream. For very serious cases, you might need to take antifungal pills for a few weeks.
Fact 2: Not all ringlike rashes are caused by ringworm.
Other conditions can also cause a ring-shaped rash. One is a skin condition called granuloma annulare, which is a circular bump that usually forms on bony areas such as hands and ankles. Another is Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that causes a bull's-eye rash.
Fact 3: Some people are at higher risk for ringworm infections.
You're more likely to get ringworm if you play sports with a lot of skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling. People with a weakened immune system are also at a higher risk.
Fact 4: You can get ringworm working in the garden.
In rare cases, ringworm can spread from contact with infected soil. But you're much more likely to get it from skin-to-skin contact with an infected human or animal. You also might get it from an object that an infected person has recently touched, such as a towel or bedding.
Fact 5: Ringworm usually causes a scaly, itchy rash.
Most of the time, this rash looks like a ring, but it doesn't have to. Some people may even have expanding or overlapping rings. The rash might be flat or bumpy. The bumps might look red on white skin or red, purple, brown, or gray on brown and black skin.
Fact 6: Ringworm can affect different parts of your body.
Ringworm usually affects the butt, abdomen, arms, or legs. This is called tinea corporis. You also can get it on your scalp (tinea capitis), feet (athlete's foot), groin (jock itch), hands (tinia manuum), beard (tinia barbae), and nails (tinea unguium or onychomycosis).
Fact 7: Apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil probably won't help.
These home remedies have little benefit and might even make the situation worse. For example, apple cider vinegar can irritate your skin and cause sores. Instead, stick with antifungal creams, gels, and powders.
Fact 8: You can help prevent ringworm.
Ringworm is very contagious, but you can help protect yourself by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often, particularly in shared spaces such as gyms and child care centers. Wear flip-flops at pools and in locker rooms. Take a shower after having skin-to-skin contact, especially in contact sports such as wrestling. And don't share personal items such as towels or hairbrushes.
Takeaways
Ringworm is a skin or nail infection caused by fungus. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact and is very contagious. It’s usually treated with antifungal cream or pills. To help prevent ringworm, practice good hygiene, especially after visiting public spaces such as locker rooms and day care centers, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or brushes.
Ringworm FAQs
Are there any home remedies for ringworm?
For a mild case of ringworm, you can try over-the-counter antifungals. Keep the area dry and clean. Avoid home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil.
How can you prevent ringworm fast?
Taking a shower after skin-to-skin contact can help prevent ringworm.
What makes it difficult to cure ringworm?
Having a weakened immune system can make it harder to treat ringworm.
Does moisture promote ringworm?
Ringworm grows best in warm, humid environments.
How can you kill a ringworm?
Ringworm can be treated with antifungal cream or pills.
