Ringworm
Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment
Ringworm Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Ringworm is a common infection that manifests with ring-shaped rashes on the skin. Many people believed that the disease is due to a parasite or a worm like its name implies. But it is actually of fungal origin.
Ringworm joins a number of fungal infections under the tinea family. These skin disorders are characterized by excessive fungal growth in the scalp, arms, nails, groin, and feet. Ringworm is typically found in the arms and legs, although it can come up at any part of the body.
Mobidoctor’s physicians are here to help you manage your ringworm well. They will assess your rash, look at other symptoms, and prescribe anti-fungal medications to fight the fungus causing your ringworm.
Ringworm: Symptoms
This skin condition often presents with a circular-shaped rash with a silvery or reddish outline colour. The affected skin becomes inflamed and itchy.
But you may find these additional symptoms in more serious ringworm cases:
- The appearance of more rings near the original affected site
- Rings that converge together
- Increased inflammation at the rash sites
- Blistering and soreness
- Swelled and itchy rashes on the neck or face
- Thickening of the palms or the skin between fingers if the ringworm affects the hands
Treating ringworm will require a prescription of anti-fungal creams. This is only available through a physician, so it’s best to have yourself checked to start the treatment process.
Ringworm: Timeline
Onset: Variable. Symptoms may appear within the week that a person was exposed to somebody with ringworm.
The disease starts spreading via skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It can also be contracted when you touch or use items that have been used by an infected patient.
Recovery: Two weeks to one full month
Antifungal creams often work to relieve symptoms within a few weeks upon use. Your ringworm should clear up by one month of consistent and proper application of medicated creams.
Ringworm is highly contagious and is easily spread to other areas on your body, as well as to other people. So, there is a huge possibility of getting worse symptoms or passing on the illness to others if you do not treat your ringworm promptly and correctly.
Do not hesitate to consult a general practitioner if you think you’re exhibiting ringworm symptoms. You can get a prescription for the much-needed anti-fungal creams through your doctor.
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