Ringworm Cause & Fix

Ringworm is a fungal infection characterized by a ring-shaped red rash. It can occur on any part of the body, including the feet, scalp and groin. Fungus penetrates the top layers of skin, resulting in a rash. You can do several things to treat and prevent ringworm. The Mayo Clinic and alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil offer several suggestions.

Cause of Ringworm

• You can contract the fungus that causes ringworm (dermatophytes) in several different ways. They include direct contact with an infected person or animal, touching objects that an infected person or animal has come in contact with, and rarely, from soil that is significantly infected with the fungus.

Treating Ringworm

• You can easily treat ringworm on your own and prevent its spread with a few simple self-care measures. In some cases, you might require prescription treatments as in cases where the rash covers a large part of the body, is severe or is not getting better with over-the counter treatments after four weeks.

  Keep the affected area clean and dry. Wash your bedding, towels and clothing daily. Use over-the-counter topical treatments like Tinactin, Mycelex, Lotrimin or Lamisil; wash and dry the area thoroughly and apply a thin layer once or twice daily for a minimum of two weeks. Dr. Weil suggests tea tree oil can be as effective; apply three to four times a day. Eating a clove of raw garlic daily might also help; it has strong anti-fungal properties.

  If your rash has not cleared after four weeks of self-care, you might need prescription oral and/or topical agents. Take exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Preventing Ringworm

• Ringworm is easily spread but you can do several things to reduce your chances of getting it. Dry off thoroughly after bathing and swimming. Wear flip-flops when you are walking around pool decks and using shower stalls in gyms, dormitories or similar spaces. Do not share personal items. Keep cool and dry as best you can; bathe soon after you sweat excessively.

  If you contract ringworm, reduce the risk of spreading it to others by washing your hands frequently, cleaning shared areas and items like the telephone regularly and keeping other people from using your personal items.