Ringworm Infection: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Ringworm infection or dermatophytosis is a fungal infection occurring in the skin. This infection can affect both animals as well as humans. It initially spreads with red patches in the affected area of the body and later starts spreading to other parts as well. This infection affects the skin on the beard, groin, scalp and other parts of the body. There are a lot of symptoms of ringworm such as scaly, red and itchy patches, patches which develop into blisters and later start to ooze, patches which are redder on the outside, usually resembling a ring and patches with defined or raised edges. Ringworm infection can also be experienced by some people on their nails. The symptom of this infection on the nails is characterized by the nails becoming discoloured, thicker and starting to crack. If your scalp is affected, then the hair on the infected portion may start to fall off and you will have bald patches.

Three types of fungi called epidermophyton, microsporum and trichophyton is responsible for causing ringworm infection. These fungi live and thrive on soil as spores, it is possible that human or animals can contract this infection by coming in contact with the soil. Ringworm infection spreads quickly with contact and it is common in children by sharing items which might not be clean. Many people try to self treat this infection by avoiding clothing which irritates the infected area, covering the infection with a bandage, disinfecting clothes and bedding and cleaning their skin on a regular basis. Sometimes, these remedies don’t help to cure this infection, in such cases doctors can prescribe medicines such as antifungal creams or ointments.

After two weeks from the infection with a fungus, Ringworm starts to develop and symptoms appear. There are two stages involved in the infectious skin disease Ringworm. Those two stages include:

• Initial stage: This stage of the infection is accompanied by a dry and scaly appearance of the skin. Ring-like patches are usually not seen but there is the formation of patches on the skin red or pink in color.
• Second stage: This stage of the fungal infection is accompanied by a growth in the size of the lesion. The lesion has a central area that looks like normal and healthy skin while the surrounding area of the lesion is dry and scaly.

Summary: Ringworm can start to develop after an infection with its causative organisms i.e fungus. It usually takes around 2 weeks for the symptoms to appear after contact with infective spores. It consists of initial and final stages.

Ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the skin. It is accompanied by the development of red itchy rashes usually in the form of rings on the skin. It is a contagious skin infection that can be treated simply by using antifungal creams. If it is not treated, the condition may lead to the development of blisters on the skin. The cracks may cause bacterial infection, followed by treatment with antibiotics.

Summary: Ringworm is a common fungal infection affecting the skin. It should be treated as early as possible, otherwise, it may cause the formation of blisters on the skin. Secondary bacterial infections can also occur due to delayed treatment.

Stress can cause Ringworm. While the skin infection is mainly caused due to an infection with the fungus, the condition can be worsened by stress. Flare-ups, which are the development of red itchy rashes on the skin, can be increased and further worsened by the stressful state of mind and body.

Summary: Besides fungal infection, stress may also be responsible for Ringworms. Fungus is the causative factor while stress is the stimulating factor of the condition.

The transmission of Ringworm usually takes place by the spores of the fungus which can contaminate any surface. These spores are the infectious form of the fungus and can remain alive normally in the air for a longer period of time. Usually, the time duration for which the spores can remain in the air or on any surface is twelve to twenty months. Hence, during this time duration, this infection remains contagious.

Summary: Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin. The mode of transmission of the infection is spores which can remain alive in the air for around twelve to twenty months.

If you experience symptoms of a ringworm infection, it is vital to consult a doctor as soon as possible. You will be asked to go through certain tests such as a fungal culture or skin biopsy test. In this test, the doctor extracts discharge from the blister and sends it for biopsy. You can also go through a KOH exam where the doctor will scrape off a tiny area of infected skin and put it inside potassium hydroxide (KOH). Then your skin tissue will be observed under a microscope. The doctor can also see your skin under a black light to see the traces of fungus on your skin. After the diagnosis is complete and it is proven that you have a ringworm infection, topical medicines like sprays, gels and antifungal ointment are prescribed. However, ringworm occurring on the nails and scalp may require a much powerful medicine like terbinafine, griseofulvin and ketoconazole.

Antifungal creams like miconazole and clotrimazole are very effective in treating ringworm infection. During your treatment it is vital not to scratch the infected area over and over again, as this might make you more susceptible in developing strep or staph infection. If at all, you get this infection along with the ringworm infection, your doctor can prescribe you powerful antibiotics to treat it completely.

Since this infection is common in children who own pet dogs and cats because these animals can easily catch the infection and pass it on to their owners. Therefore, these children should go for health check-ups at least once in three months. People using a public pool or public shower area are also at a high risk of getting this infection, hence they are eligible for an antifungal treatment.

If you have any allergies or medical conditions, you should take a doctor’s opinion before using antifungal medicines as it may interfere with your existing medical condition. People who are already undergoing treatment for some other medical ailment should also consult their doctor before starting this treatment.

Antifungal medicines can have a lot of side effects like indigestion, feeling sick, fatigue, diarrhea and irritation to the skin. In rare cases, liver damage can also occur.

After you get treated from ringworm with the help of antifungal medicines, it is important to maintain hygiene and take good care of your health so that the infection doesn’t reoccur. It is vital to wash your hands after touching or interacting with animals, also try to disinfect your pets as much as possible, avoid physical contact with animals or people who have a ringworm infection, use shampoos and take a shower regularly, wear protective shoes while going out and keep your body clean and dry at all times. You should also avoid sharing items like hairbrushes and clothes with people who already have a ringworm infection.

Antifungal ointments can heal the ringworm infection in about two to four weeks. If it is used regularly and more than once a day, the infection can heal sooner. If the symptoms are taking more than four weeks to disappear then your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics along with your antifungal medicines. Majority of the patients suffering from a ringworm infection, respond positively to antifungal medications.

The price of antifungal creams is approximately Rs. 20 to Rs.200 in India.

The results of this treatment are permanent to some extent. However, it doesn’t prevent you from getting the infection later in life if you don’t maintain personal hygiene.

Apart from antifungal creams, ringworm infection can be treated with the use of topical medications, antibiotics, strong oral medications, etc. However, oral medication is given for a 3 months course.

Summary: Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin which is accompanied by the development of red itchy rashes usually in the form of rings. Its transmission usually takes place by spores of the fungus which can contaminate any surface and can remain alive normally in the air for a longer period of time. The basic treatment of this includes the application of antifungal cream.