Ring Worm Information

If you've ever experienced a ringworm infection, you know it's no walk in the park. The itchiness, pain and embarrassment of having it are more than enough to give it a bad name. It's also easy to spread and must be looked at right away. If left untreated, ringworm problems can worsen and even infect others.

Identification

• Ringworm is a fungal infection that infects mostly young animals, often cats and dogs. Humans can also carry the infection and pass it along to others. When one has ringworm, it is typically exhibited as a rash that looks like a red ring, which is how the infection got its name. Sometimes, though, it presents itself simply as a rash with no shape. Since it is fairly easy to recognize, it is usually easy to treat.

Types

• Ringworm is not caused by only one type of fungus. In fact, there are three different strains that can cause an infection. Microsporum canis is a species that infects mostly cats. Microsporum gypseum comes from soil and is known to infect both dogs and cats. Trichophyton mentagrophytes infect rodents, and from there can infect dogs and cats. Trichophyton rubrum is the strain that most commonly infects humans, though they can also get ringworm from Microsporum canis.

Symptoms

• There are multiple symptoms that occur in response to a ringworm infection. The most obvious is the previously mentioned trademark red ring. The rash can grow on the arms, legs, chest, back, stomach, face and groin. The edges of the rash are scaly or moist and crusted. They are extremely itchy and the worst cases are painful. In cats and dogs, ringworm appears as skin lesions that may have scaly skin in the center.

Treatments

• Ringworm is a highly treatable infection and the majority of cases can be remedied at home. Any over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments are good enough to get rid of mild cases. Just wash the infected area with soap and water before applying them. These ointments will typically clear up ringworm in about two weeks, though they should be used for up to two weeks after to prevent the infection from flaring up further. Similar creams for pets can be received from the vet.

Eliminating Ringworm

• When ringworm is cured in a person or animal, the surrounding environment needs to be cleaned because fungal spores may still be active. Avoid sweeping, which can cause spores to fly into the air. Instead, vacuum and steam clean carpets. Bedding and grooming tools should be cleaned thoroughly as well. As long as cleanliness is made a priority, new cases of ringworm will not occur.