Medically reviewed by Daniel Gutierrez, PA-C
A purple, itchy rash isn’t simply uncomfortable—in some instances, it’s mystifying. As an example, ringworm is one doable trigger, however what does ringworm seem like? Does it all the time trigger a purple circle rash? How will you inform this fungal pores and skin an infection aside from widespread pores and skin rashes, together with rashes that seem like ringworm however aren’t?
Learn on to find out about ringworm signs and the way the rash is handled.
What are the signs of ringworm?
The signs evolve throughout completely different phases of ringworm. In early-stage ringworm, you’ll see a spherical, flat, irritated patch of pores and skin. It might be reddish in individuals with gentle pores and skin and brown-gray in individuals with darker pores and skin. Generally the patch could merely be very dry or scaly. It usually reveals up 4 to 14 days after you are available contact with the ringworm fungus and might seem on virtually any space of the pores and skin.
The patch enlarges in the course of the second stage of the an infection. That is once you’ll see the telltale purple circle rash. The pores and skin on the heart of the patch could look comparatively regular, however the pores and skin surrounding it’s raised, discolored and scaly.
You could discover different signs relying on what physique half is affected.
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis): Itchy dry and scaly patches, infected purple patches, bald spots.
Ringworm on the face and neck (tinea barbae): Could also be crusted over or comprise pus.
Ringworm on the rectum, groin or inside thighs (tinea cruris or “jock itch”): Itching and, in some instances, blisters.
Ringworm on the fingers (tinea manuum): Dry, cracked palms.
Ringworm on fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis and tinea unguium): Thick, discolored and deformed nails.
Ringworm on ft (tinea pedis or athlete’s foot): Begins between the toes and causes stinging, burning, blistering and peeling pores and skin.
Rashes that seem like ringworm however aren’t
In the event you’re undecided in case your rash is ringworm, it’s vital to see your dermatologist to rule out different pores and skin situations that trigger comparable signs. These embrace:
How do you get ringworm?
The ringworm fungus generally lives on the floor of the pores and skin. If uncovered to heat, humid, darkish situations, it will possibly multiply and switch into an an infection.
A ringworm an infection spreads simply from individual to individual through skin-to-skin contact and by sharing clothes, bedding or towels with somebody who’s contaminated. Touching ringworm fungus lurking in showers or locker rooms can infect you.
You will get ringworm from a canine or cat if it has ringworm. Not often, ringworm will be unfold by way of extended contact with soil that comprises the fungus.
Components that make you extra weak to ringworm embrace taking part in high-contact sports activities, sweating excessively and dealing with animals who could have the an infection. You’re additionally extra more likely to get ringworm if in case you have nail or pores and skin accidents, diabetes, weight problems or a compromised immune system.
Does ringworm go away by itself?
It’s unlikely the rash will vanish with out therapy, so don’t ignore it. A gentle case of ringworm may go away by itself in the event you scrupulously observe self-care measures, corresponding to conserving the realm clear and dry, however you may unfold it to different physique components when you await it to heal.
How you can deal with ringworm
Ringworm can usually be handled by making use of an over-the-counter topical antifungal product corresponding to terbinafine (Lamisil) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin) for 2 to 4 weeks. See your dermatologist in the event you don’t see enchancment or the rash has gotten worse. Extra critical ringworm infections might have a prescription antifungal and might take as much as two months to heal.
If therapy doesn’t work, it might imply that the fungus is immune to the antifungal drugs you used, whether or not it was over-the-counter or prescription. If that’s the case, you might want a stronger or newer antifungal cream.
The hardest ringworm instances could require an oral antifungal drugs. The physician will carry out a biopsy first to substantiate that you’ve got a fungal an infection.
Ringworm on the scalp received’t go away by itself and requires therapy with oral treatment.
Throughout therapy, take steps to stop the ringworm rash from spreading. Even after the rash is gone, scale back your likelihood of getting contaminated once more with the following pointers:
- Hold your pores and skin clear and dry.
- Don’t stroll barefoot in public showers and locker rooms.
- Change your underwear and socks a minimum of as soon as a day.
- Don’t share clothes, linens or private objects.
- Clip your nails brief and maintain them clear.
- In the event you play a high-contact sport, bathe instantly afterward and wash/clear your clothes and sports activities gear.
- Use disinfectant sprays or bleach to wash surfaces which may harbor the ringworm fungus, such because the bathe, doorknobs and toilet counter tops.
- Take your pet to the vet if it has indicators of ringworm.
Ringworm phases of therapeutic
Ringworm can take a minimum of two weeks to heal. The rash will progressively fade and the pores and skin will turn out to be easy. In the event you cease utilizing the antifungal therapy earlier than the rash is gone, the an infection may return and be more durable to deal with, so remember to observe the therapy directions.
If the rash is heat to the contact, comprises pus or leaks fluid, it’s possible contaminated. See your physician instantly.
As soon as the rash is gone, you will have post-inflammatory pores and skin discoloration that continues to be for months. The pores and skin might be lighter, darker or redder than the encircling pores and skin. Via the pure technique of exfoliation, it’ll finally return to its regular colour.
Ringworm footage
See the pictures beneath for examples of what ringworm seems like. Understand that ringworm seems completely different at completely different phases, on completely different components of the physique and in numerous individuals.
Written by Jessica Brown, a well being and science author/editor based mostly in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention journal, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and plenty of different shops.