How to Prevent Ringworm?

How to Prevent Ringworm: Smart Hygienic Habits for Staying Healthy

Ringworm or tinea is a common fungal infection of the skin, hair, nails, or scalp, characterized by an inflamed, itchy ring-shaped rash that causes pain, redness, and discomfort. It can affect up to 20-25% of the worldwide population at any given time.

It is highly contagious and spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surface or by sharing personal items. Prevention is essential for maintaining healthy skin and avoiding its uncomfortable symptoms.

Read ahead for a comprehensive idea of essential ways to prevent ringworm and its distressing symptoms.

How Can Good Hygiene Help Prevent Ringworm?

Proper cleanliness practices are a must for reducing the risk of ringworm infection. The following tips can be helpful for the prevention of ringworm:

• Maintain Personal Hygiene: To maintain good personal hygiene, shower or bathe daily, wash hands before meals, and after using the washroom.
• Keep Your Clothes Clean: Wash worn and soiled clothes before wearing them again.
• Limit Moisture: After a shower, bath, or swim, dry the body and hair with a clean towel and hair dryer. Dry your feet in the end to prevent the spread of infection.
• Change Damp Clothes: Changing damp or dirty socks and underwear at least once daily or when needed. Wear socks before underwear to prevent the fungus from spreading.
• Maintain Nail Hygiene: Keep fingernails and toenails neatly cut and clean.
   

Can Keeping Personal Items Separate Help Prevent Ringworm?

The shared use of infected personal items can spread ringworm. Thus, it is crucial to avoid sharing personal items with others, such as:

• Clothes
• Towels and handkerchiefs
• Hairbrushes,  combs, and hats
• Linen items like bedsheets
• Personal care items like makeup or creams

In warm and moist hubs like public showers and locker rooms, be sure to wear clean and dry footwear, such as slippers, sandals, or shower shoes.

Can Disinfecting Contaminated Surfaces Help Prevent Ringworm?

Contaminated surfaces can harbor the fungus for long periods. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly disinfect surfaces, such as the bathroom, gym equipment, and vending machines, to reduce the risk of the spread of the fungus. If you touch a surface potentially soiled with the fungus, wash your hands with a disinfectant soap like Dettol.

What Kind of Clothing to Wear to Prevent Ringworm?

Loose-fitting, dry cotton clothes are recommended to keep the body airy and free from moisture that can be a breeding ground for the fungus.

Avoid wearing tight undergarments like underwear and pantyhose to prevent moisture from getting trapped, providing room for fungal growth. Ensure that dry and clean footwear is worn in public areas for protection from infection.

How Can Pet Care Help Prevent Ringworm?

Pet animals can be potential carriers and transmitters of the ringworm infection. Disinfect and clean your pet's living spaces regularly. If your pet has fallen fur or inflamed skin, get it checked by a veterinarian.

If your pet is already infected with ringworm, wear protective gloves while touching it, and wash your hands afterwards. Treat mild cases of ringworm with over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, and sprays. Consult a healthcare provider for customized treatment in persistent cases.

Prevention is always the best way to manage ringworm. However, severe cases may require medical attention and dependable health insurance to cover the treatment costs.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for ringworm treatments under our Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

Call us now for further assistance!