Ringworm | Things to Know

• A common misconception is that this condition is caused by a worm. In fact, Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin and is not due to any type of worm.
• The medical term for ringworm is tinea. The condition is further named for the site of the body where the infection occurs.
• Ringworm causes a scaly, crusted rash that may appear as round, red patches on the skin. Other symptoms and signs of ringworm include patches of hair loss or scaling on the scalp, itching, and blister-like lesions.
• Ringworm can be successfully treated with antifungal medications used either topically or orally.

Preventing Ringworm on your Skin... Maintain a high level of personal hygiene

Common Advice to prevent ringworm includes:

• Avoid sharing of any articles of clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets.
• Wash all clothes in hot water with fungicidal soap after suspected exposure to ringworm.
• Avoid walking barefoot and wear appropriate protective shoes in areas suspected of existing fungal cultures including the beach, gyms, dojos, locker rooms, and athletic mat covered locations.
• After spending time in places where there is a potential risk of exposure, one should wash with an antibacterial and anti-fungal soap or one that contains Tea Tree Oil, Tea Tree Oil contains active ingredients including mainly terpinen-4-ol. It is this compound which is thought to be the main reason for Tea Tree oil’s effectiveness and it’s antimicrobial properties. Additionally, this compound has been noted for the successful treatment of fungal infections.