Outlines how to treat a ringworm in humans, the symptoms for superficial vs deep infection, when you should see a doctor, and home remedies for relief.
Tinea corporis (ringworm) – also known as dermatophytosis – is a fungal skin infection caused by filamentous fungi that affects the trunk and extremities. It manifests itself with round, scaly redness. Most of the time, itching is also noticeable. Ringworm is treated with antifungal agents, which are mostly applied externally, sometimes internally.
Ringworm is an infection caused by a filamentous fungus called dermatophytes that can penetrate the skin if you have an impaired immune system or sensitive skin. The skin is especially sensitive if you have a sore or eczema, but even if you sweat a lot, the sweat washes away fungicidal oils from the skin, making it more susceptible to infection. How to treat swollen lips: causes, cures and prevention
Ringworm is usually transmitted from animals to humans, but it can also be transmitted from person to person or via contaminated objects.
Scaly, itchy reddening of the skin is typical of ringworm. Most of the time, the infection is only superficial. Occasionally, however, it can also spread to deeper layers of the skin so you need to know how to treat ring worm as soon as possible.
How to treat a ringworm: Types of ringworm
Tinea corporis gladiatorum
A special sub-form of Tinea corporis is the “ring’s mushroom” (Tinea corporis gladiatorum). It is caused by a certain thread fungus that penetrates the hair shaft (on the body and also on the head) and triggers an inflammatory reaction here. As a result, the hair shaft breaks off directly on the surface of the skin. The name “Ringer’s Mushroom” comes from the fact that this fungal infection is common among wrestlers (especially in the USA).
Trichophyton rubrum syndrome
Another form of tinea corporis is Trichophyton rubrum syndrome. This widespread chronic infection affects not only the skin but also the nails and can often persist for decades. After completing therapy, she will return soon. Because the Trichophyton rubrum syndrome occurs in families, there is presumably a genetic predisposition.
Tokelau
Another special form of skin fungus is tinea imbricata, also known as Tokelau (after islands in the South Pacific), which only occurs in the tropics. It is found almost only in colored ethnic groups such as South Sea Islanders, Chinese, Indians and South American Indians and is very contagious for them. This suggests a corresponding genetic predisposition.
How to treat a ringworm: symptoms
Ringworms usually cause a circular rash that itches. It is often found on the face, chest, arms, and legs. The incubation period (the time between the onset of infection and symptoms) can vary from a few days to a few weeks.
The rash often has a red raised edge that can be dry and flaky. The skin inside the ring can get red and bumpy, but sometimes looks normal. The size varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The rash will gradually get larger and may congeal. In severe cases, the infection can lead to deep ulcers so it is best to follow this guide for how to treat ringworm as soon as possible.
If your scalp is itchy, it could also be a sign of ringworm. Then you can get bald spots or a flaky rash in your hair. The same symptoms can occur if you have ringworm on your beard.
Not all red, itchy rashes are a sign of ringworm. They can also be caused by other types of skin fungus. Psoriasis and different types of eczema, such as atopic eczema, can cause similar symptoms. It can even be a viral infection, such as “medallion disease”.
The type and extent of symptoms in tinea corporis primarily depend on which pathogen is responsible for the infection and how far the infection has spread. Doctors also differentiate between a superficial and a deep tinea corporis in how to treat ringworm in humans.
Superficial
If the infection mainly affects superficial layers of the skin, then inflamed, reddened, slightly scaly, round skin spots develop around the hair follicles affected by the fungus. As the infection progresses, several such patches of skin can fuse together and form large, map-shaped shapes. Pustules can develop especially on the edge of the spots. The skin spots fade from the center.
Deep
Superficial tinea corporis can develop into an acute, deep form of infection if the fungus penetrates deeper layers of the skin along the hair . This leads to stronger inflammatory reactions with the formation of painful, fluid-filled lumps. The neighboring lymph nodes swell. In addition, patients can develop general symptoms such as fever and fatigue. The deep form of fungal skin infections affects the beard and neck region in men, and especially the forearms and hairy head in children.
How to treat a ringworm: causes and risk factors
Tinea corporis is caused by filamentous fungi (dermatophytes). These filamentous fungi can be transmitted directly from person to person, indirectly via contaminated objects and soil, and through contact with infected animals (such as cats, cattle).
Different types of filamentous fungi can cause tinea corporis. The most common cause in Central Europe is Trichophyton rubrum. Of the other filamentous fungi, for example T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton floccosum are possible causes of ringworm.
Dermatophytes are “horn-loving”. They attack the horny layer, hair and nails. In contrast to other fungi, which can cause infections in humans, they do not attack the mucous membranes. If they only colonize the horny layer of the skin, they spread out concentrically from the point of entry. If they also penetrate the hair follicle, they colonize the hair shaft. The incubation period , i.e. the time between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms, is one to two weeks.
There are several factors that generally favor a fungal skin infection. This includes a warm and humid environment, for example from profuse sweating or swimming. A weakened immune system also promotes fungal infections such as tinea corporis. The weakening of the body’s defenses can either be the result of a serious illness (such as HIV) or medication-related (administration of immunosuppressants, for example after an organ transplant).
How to treat a ringworm: examinations and diagnosis
If you have a rash that covers large areas of skin or if you do not feel better after two weeks despite nonprescription treatment, you should see a doctor. If you suspect tinea corporis, your family doctor or a dermatologist is the right contact. The first thing to do is to have a conversation to collect your medical history: For example, the doctor asks you how long your symptoms have existed, whether there are any other symptoms and whether you have any underlying illnesses.
A physical examination follows after taking the medical history . The doctor will take a close look at the affected areas of skin and take samples (flakes of skin, nail shavings, hair). These are examined under the microscope for the presence of fungi. In addition, a fungal culture can be set up in the laboratory with the shredded test material: Under suitable growth conditions, existing fungi multiply in the culture and, depending on the pathogen, can be identified within days or weeks. This is important when choosing the right therapy.
In individual cases, further examinations are used, such as an inspection of the skin using UV light (Wood light lamp). Certain dermatophytes can be identified under this light.
How to treat a ringworm: treatment and prevention
If you have ringworm, you can treat it yourself with an ointment available from a pharmacy. Ringworms are most commonly transmitted from animals to humans, so it is important to treat pets with ringworms as well. When working with animals on a farm, cows, pigs, or other animals may need treatment. An animal with ringworm can develop red, flaky, and itchy skin – see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
The therapy of tinea corporis depends on the extent of the infection. The tinea corporis infection is usually only superficial and not very extensive, so that external (topical) treatment is sufficient. For example, creams, solutions, gels or powders with antifungal active ingredients are used – i.e. active ingredients that are effective against fungi, such as miconazole, clotrimazole and terbinafine. The medication is used over several weeks – depending on the extent of the tinea corporis.
With extensive tinea corporis or when topical treatment fails, patients must take an antifungal drug in tablet form ( systemic therapy ). This is also necessary with deep tinea corporis. This systemic therapy is usually combined with topical treatment: the tablets do not have to be used for as long, which also reduces the risk of side effects.
In children and pregnant and breastfeeding women with tinea corporis, the doctor will be particularly careful when choosing a therapy because these patient groups are not allowed to use some active ingredients.
Tinea corporis, like other fungal infections, requires a lot of patience during therapy: Fungi are stubborn, which is why you have to be very consistent when using antifungal agents. The duration of use recommended by the doctor should be strictly adhered to. If the therapy is interrupted too early, the tinea corporis returns in many cases.
How to treat a ringworm with home remedies
Many try to treat the ring worm with natural means and not use “chemistry”. The most popular home remedies:
- Dab with apple cider vinegar
- Drizzle with tea tree oil or other essential oils
- Rub with sliced garlic
However, these home remedies do not kill the fungus itself. They only work gently and, in the best case, can relieve the itching. Home remedies should therefore only be used in addition to anti-fungal agents for skin fungus.
If you like to go to public baths or saunas, it is best to wear flip-flops. In addition, a healthy, balanced diet, adequate sleep, little stress and exercise in the fresh air help to keep the immune system fit.
Summary
- Ringworm is a special fungal disease of the skin. The name of the disease suggests the most important characteristic. A red ring that separates the rest of the healthy skin from the rash. The inflammatory and scaly changes in the skin are caused by a certain type of fungus.
- In addition, the disease is not limited to one area of the body, but can occur on the arms, legs, face and entire trunk. The size of the rash increases over time and, as with most skin diseases, ringworm is characterized by severe itching.
- In most cases, the disease is transmitted through contact with animals. This can be dogs, cats, cattle, goats and other animal species. These carry the fungus on the fur or skin and thus infect humans.
- Transmission from person to person or through infected objects is also conceivable. However, this was observed less often. If there is an infection as a result of contact with an animal, this must also be treated by a veterinarian.
- The rash is often found in babies and children, as they usually seek close contact with animals. If your pet is suffering from increased itching, you should not let them play with the child unattended.
- If you have a rash for a long time that does not get better and may get worse, you should definitely see your doctor. If necessary, they will refer you to a dermatologist.
- If the disease is normal, it can be treated with a special cream. The fungi are killed and the skin heals. The cream is usually applied locally to the affected areas every day for three to four weeks.
- If the fungus has also attacked deeper layers of the skin or if local therapy does not work, an antifungal agent in tablet form must also be taken. Your general practitioner will prescribe the correct medication for you.
- You should strictly adhere to the duration of use of the cream, otherwise the risk of the rash breaking out again is very high. Because fungal diseases are difficult to get under control if the treatment is inadequate.
- Unfortunately, a new outbreak of the disease cannot be completely prevented. However, if you sweat heavily, you can make sure to dry your skin or change your clothes. You should also wash the infected laundry at 60 degrees to kill the fungal spores.
- To free surfaces or objects from the fungus, you can use disinfectant sprays that have a fungicidal effect.Avoid direct contact with infected people
- Refraining from contact sports in the event of infection
- Find care for your pets if they show symptoms of ringworm.
