Ringworm

Contrary to what the name implies, ringworm (formally known as tinea corporis) is not a condition where an actual worm lives beneath the skin. It is a fungal infection where microscopic dermatophytes that naturally live in the environment come in contact with the skin and take up residence in the top layer of dead skin cells (known as the stratum corneum).

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a contagious fungal infection that is spread three ways: person to person, contact with an infected animal or from soil that contains the fungus. Ringworm appears on the skin as an itchy, red, scaly patch that is ring shaped.

Ringworm has a classic clinical appearance (a circular, sharply circumscribed, pink/red, dry/scaly “bump” that forms a ring shape as it spreads).  A dermatologist can often diagnose ringworm by looking at it and getting pertinent history.  Other conditions that closely resemble ringworm include pityriasis rosea, impetigo, nummular eczema, psoriasis, secondary and tertiary syphilis, and seborrheic dermatitis.  A diagnosis can be confirmed by examining a scraping of skin cells for fungal elements under a microscope while in a doctor’s office and/or by sending out the scarping to a lab to try and grow and identify the fungus.

Localized ringworm can be easily treated with topical antifungal creams such as ketoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, naftifine, terbinafine or butenafine.  The length of treatment is between two and four weeks with a twice a day use. Extensive disease or fungal folliculitis often requires oral antifungal treatment in addition to topical creams.  During treatment you will notice the scaliness will improve before the discoloration.  It’s important to apply (or take) antifungal medicine for as long as prescribed. Stopping early may fail to clear the infection. It’s important to apply (or take) antifungal medicine for as long as prescribed. Stopping early may fail to clear the infection.

While sometimes a topical antifungal cream can be combined with a corticosteroid to help improve the itching more rapidly, only using a corticosteroid cream on a fungal infection worsens the disease process and cause it to spread rapidly. Therefore, it’s important to confirm a diagnosis with your dermatologist if ringworm is suspected before using an over the counter steroid cream such as hydrocortisone.

Yes, ringworm infections are contagious and can be spread from one area of the body to another or from yourself to another person. Because of this, it is important to cover any area of ringworm being treated, avoid itching infected areas and wash your hands thoroughly after applying your medicated cream.

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a term used to classify superficial dermatophyte infections of the body. However, when a dermatophyte infection affects certain areas of the body, we give it different names. Tinea cruris also known as “jock itch”  occurs when he fungal infection infects the inner surface of the thighs and groin, tinea faciei refers to a dermatophyte infection of the fix, tinea manum refers to a dermatophyte infection of the hand, tinea pedis refers to send them out to fight infection of the feet, and tinea unguium (also known as onychomycosis) refers to the amount of infections of the nails. All of these fungal infections are treated with the same topical or oral antifungal medication.

A good way to prevent fungal infections is by practicing good hygiene habits. These include not sharing bath towels, washing your hands after petting your cat or dog, changing your clothes including underwear and socks every day, and showering after you work out.