
📢 Let's Learn More About Ringworm & Fungal Infections
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal infection affecting the skin, nails, and scalp. Despite its name, it is not caused by worms! The infection is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Ringworm is also known as tinea.
What causes fungal infections?
🔸 Direct Contact: Touching infected skin or animals (cats and dogs are common carriers).
🔸 Indirect Contact: Using contaminated objects like towels, clothing, or grooming tools.
🔸 Environmental: Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, so public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools are hot spots.
What to look for?
🔍 Tinea corpis (body): Look for red, circular, and itchy rashes with raised edges.
🔍Tinea pedis (feet), aka Athlete's foot. Look for red, swollen, peeling, itchy skin between the toes. It can appear on the sole and heel of the foot.
🔍Tinea cruris (groin), aka jock itch. Look out for itchy, scaly, red spots. It is usually on the inner sides of the skin folds of the thigh.
🔍Tinea capitis (scalp). Look out for scaly, itchy, circular, balding spot(s).
🔍Tinea barbae (beard). Look out for scaly, itchy, red spots on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck. Spots might become crusted over or filled with pus.
🔍Onychomycosis (nail infection). Look out for discoloration, thickening, fragile, or cracked nails. The nail may separate from the nail bed.
How to Treat?
Tinea infections are usually treatable with antifungal medications.
Prevention Tips
Keep it Clean: Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and keep your skin clean and dry. Make sure barber tools are cleaned and sanitized.
Avoid Sharing: Don’t share personal items such as towels, clothing, and hairbrushes.
Pet Care: Regularly check and clean your pets. Consult a vet if they show signs of infection.
Use Protective Footwear: Wear flip-flops in communal showers and locker rooms to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces. The same goes for traveling and using hotel showers.
Stay Cool and Dry: Change out of sweaty clothes promptly and avoid tight-fitting clothing that traps moisture.
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Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We recommend consulting a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and addressing specific health concerns.