Ringworm is a skin infection that’s caused by a certain type of fungi – known as dermatophytes – that exist as parasites on the human body. The dermatophytes that trigger ringworm aren’t actually worms; its name actually refers to the small, circular “rings” it forms on the surface of skin.

Ringworm is medically known as “tinea” and includes several types of infections, including:

• Ringworm on the body (tinea corporis)

• Appearance: When it occurs on the surface of skin,ringworm is characterized by itchy, raised rashes that form a circular pattern with healthy skin in the center. Sometimes, ringworm can appear without the ring.

• Causes: This contagious condition can be spread from person to person, or by coming into contact with infected animals, soil or contaminated objects including towels, clothing and bedding.

• Treatment: As soon as ringworm appears, treat infected areas of the skin with an over-the-counter topical antifungal medication. If the condition worsens or persists longer than a month, see a doctor.

• Product pick: Pedinol Fungoid Tincture is a topical ointment that treats cases of ringworm on the surface of skin. Use the brush to apply a thin layer over the affected area twice daily.

• Prevention: Many microorganisms, including the dermatophytes that cause ringworm, thrive in warm, moist conditions. For this reason, ringworm is most common in hot, humid climates. To prevent ringworm, avoid sharing clothes, towels and bedding with others, as well as contact with unknown animals. Also, keep your skin cool and dry as much as possible, and wash your hands frequently.

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

• Appearance: As its name implies, athlete’s foot occurs on the feet. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you may have athlete’s foot: itching, stinging or burning sensations on the soles or in between the toes, dryness, blistering, cracking, peeling or toenails that change in color, thickness or texture.

Although athletes may be more likely to experience athlete’s foot, anyone is at risk for developing this condition. In fact, according to Medicine Net, up to 70 perfect of individuals will develop athlete’s foot at some time during their lifetime.

• Cause: The dermatophytes that trigger athlete's foot require a warm, humid environment and thrive in plastic or tight shoes and wet socks. This condition is contagious and is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.

• Treatment: To treat athlete’s foot, use an over-the-counter antifungal medication that contains miconazole, clotrimazole or tolnaftate. After the infection clears, continue using the medicine for one to two weeks to ensure that it doesn’t spread. If athlete’s foot doesn’t heal after a month, or if you experience any painful swelling or inflammation, a fever or discharge, contact your doctor, as you may have a more severe infection.

• Product pick: Stiefel Zeasorb AF Antifungal Drying Gel targets the symptoms of athlete's foot including redness, itching, burning and scaling. Use daily for four weeks.

• Prevention: Reduce your odds of picking up athlete’s foot by wearing flip flops or water shoes to protect bare feet from potentially-infected surfaces in public places including locker rooms, spas and swimming pools. Never wear footwear that belongs to other people, and when it’s warm outside, wear breathable footwear like sandals. Always remove wet socks immediately, and if you’re prone to athlete’s foot, sprinkle an antifungal powder inside your shoe to soak up excess moisture.

• Product pick: When compared to talcum powder, Stiefel Zeasorb Super Absorbent Powder absorbs three times more moisture to help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

• Jock itch (tinea cruris)

• Appearance: When dermatophytes infect areas of the skin near the genitals, buttocks and inner thighs, it’s identified as jock itch. Similar to other types of ringworm, jock itch appears as a ring-like rash that may feel warm and/or itchy. This condition may also cause burning, peeling or cracking of skin in infected areas.

• Cause: The warm, moist conditions around the groin and thighs are an ideal place for dermatophytes to grow. Because jock itch can be caused by the same fungi that trigger other types of ringworm, it’s important to take precautions to prevent the spread of ringworm throughout the body. Like athlete’s foot, jock itch may be more common in athletes, but the condition can affect anyone, especially males and those who are overweight. Aerobic activity not only creates the warm conditions on the surface of skin in which these fungi thrive, but also washes away essential oils that naturally kill these microbes.Jock itch is contagious and spreads through human-to-human contact, including sexual activity, or through contact with contaminated surfaces including those found in locker rooms, towels, bed linens and clothing.

• Treatment: To treat jock itch, reach for an over-the-counter antifungal medication such as terbinafine, miconazole and clotrimazole. If the irritation is persistent or severe, contact a doctor.

• Product pick: Stiefel Zeasorb AF Antifungal Drying Gel is effective for treating jock itch. This antifungal medication relieves symptoms and leaves behind a powdery finish to soothe chafing and absorb moisture.

• Prevention: Maintain healthy hygienic habits, including showering immediately after exercise or excessive sweating, washing underwear, bras and active wear after each use and never sharing towels or clothing with others. Loose clothing that allows the skin to breath can help prevent this infection.

• Product pick:   Stiefel Zeasorb Super Absorbent Powder inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi and absorbs moisture to prevent the occurrence of jock itch.

• Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis)

• Appearance: On the scalp, ringworm appears as scaly patches with a reddish or grey hue and may increase in size over time. Hair may fall out, leaving behind small black spots. This condition may be painful with severe inflammation.

• Causes: This type of ringworm is caused when dermatophytes infect the hair shaft or surface of the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp most commonly affects children and toddlers and is easily passed through contact with other humans, pets or contaminated objects, including hats and hairbrushes.

• Treatment: Treatment for ringworm of the scalp includes antifungal medications and medicated shampoos. If any symptoms are observed in children including hair loss, redness or itchiness, contact a doctor immediately, as these may also be the result of other, more serious conditions.

Occasionally, ringworm on the scalp can lead to another serious condition called kerion. Symptoms of kerion include painful swelling, inflammation, hair loss and yellow crusty lesions that drain pus. It’s important to treat this condition immediately to avoid scarring and permanent hair loss.

• Prevention: To prevent ringworm on the scalp, never share hair tools, towels or other items that may transport fungi. It’s important to educate children about ringworm and to encourage proper hygiene including the regular washing of hair and hands.

When it comes to preventing all types of ringworm, good hygiene – including hand washing and showering – is essential. Always avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing and bed linens with others. Don’t wait for ringworm to clear up on its own. Instead, treat any infections immediately with over-the-counter medications as this can prevent the spread of the fungus to other parts of the body. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek professional medical attention.

See also:

Dry, Flaky Scalp (Dandruff)

Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Natural Skin Care for Athletes