What is the Cause of Ringworm?

Ringworm Causes & Treatments: What You Need to Know

The cells in a human’s outer skin consist of mould-like fungi that can lead to ringworm. This is a fungal infection that can spread from one person to another. Ringworm can sometimes spread from animals or other objects through skin contact.

As your skin resembles the shape of a worm upon being infected by this fungal infection, it is named "ringworm." Here's more on its causes, types, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Why Do You Get Ringworm?

Here are some of the possible causes of getting ringworm:

• From One Human to Another : If your skin comes in direct contact with an infected person, you will likely get a ringworm infection.
• From an Animal to a Human : If you touch an animal infected with ringworm, you can get the infection on your skin. This mostly occurs when you groom or pet cats, dogs, or cows.
• From Soil to a Human : Though a rare case, you can get ringworm by touching infected soil. It can happen when you come in contact with the infected soil for a long time.
• From an Object to a Human : Contact with clothing, towels, beds and linens, combs, brushes, and other items or surfaces that an infected human or animal has recently touched or brushed against can transmit ringworm.

What are the symptoms of getting ringworm?

Classic ringworm appears as red, circular, scaly patches with raised borders, but some fungal rashes may lack this pattern. The pattern of rings differs from one type to another.

You may find the following symptoms on your skin if it is affected by ringworm:

• Cracked
• Flaky
• Peeled off
• Burnt
• Itchy
• Stinging, etc.

If you get ringworm on the scalp, you may notice a small pimple-like sore that will gradually turn the skin scaly or flaky, just like dandruff. It can lead to a fall and leave a bald spot. Ringworms can also cause tender, swollen, and red scalps.

Ringworm can sometimes cause a pus-filled, soft swelling called a kerion. When the scalp is infected, lymph nodes at the back of the head or neck may swell. Nails may become thick, discoloured, and brittle if they are affected.

What are the Different Types of Ringworm?

Depending on the infected area and shape of the fungal infection of your skin, ringworms are of the following types:

• Tinea Capitis : Scalp ringworms, called tinea capitis, cause itchy, scaly, and red bald spots on the infected person’s scalp. It can turn into permanent baldness if not treated on time.
• Athlete’ Foot : The fungal infection that occurs between the soles of your feet and toes. Also referred to as tinea pedis, this ringworm causes a burning and itchy skin rash that often turns into blisters. It can also cause cracked and scaly feet to smell bad.
• Tinea Cruris : Jock itch is a red, itchy rash in the groin, upper thighs, or around the rectum. The skin affected may develop blisters and discomfort, especially in warm, moist environments. It is common among athletes and people who sweat heavily.
• Tinea Manuum : Ringworm on the hands leads to dry, cracked skin on the palms and may present as ring-shaped patches. The skin can become rough and itchy, often affecting people with frequent contact with soil or animals.
• Tinea Barbae : This type affects the neck, chin, and cheeks, causing red, scaly patches that may crust over or fill with pus. It often occurs in adult men and can be associated with shaving or contact with infected animals.
• Tinea Unguium/Onychomycosis : Ringworm of the nails results in thick, discoloured, and deformed nails. The nails may turn white or yellowish and become brittle, sometimes separating from the nail bed. This type can affect one or more fingernails or toenails.

How to Treat Ringworm?

Here are some of the best treatment methods for ringworm:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) Antifungal Medications : Mild cases of ringworm on the skin are often treated with OTC antifungal creams, lotions, or powders containing clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole. These should be applied to the affected area and nearby skin for 2–4 weeks, even if you notice early relief from the symptoms. This is to ensure the fungus is completely eradicated and to prevent recurrence.
• Prescription Medications : For severe, widespread, or scalp/nail infections, doctors may prescribe griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, etc., antifungal medications. Treatment duration varies depending on the type of infection. For instance, scalp or nail infections may require oral medication for 1–3 months, sometimes combined with antifungal shampoos to reduce spread.
• Home Remedies : While some home remedies (e.g., tea tree oil) have antifungal properties, OTC or prescription medications are recommended for reliable treatment. Some people use natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, turmeric, aloe vera, or tea tree oil for their antifungal properties.
• Special Considerations : During pregnancy, only certain topical antifungals (e.g., ciclopirox, clotrimazole, oxiconazole) are recommended, and oral antifungals are generally avoided due to potential risks. Always consult a doctor before starting any treatment, especially in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Hygiene Measures : Alongside medication, daily washing of bedding and clothing, keeping the skin dry, and wearing loose clothing are essential to prevent reinfection and spread.

How to Prevent Ringworm?

You can follow these effective tips to prevent ringworm:

• Always select shoes that enable free air circulation around the feet.
• Try to keep your skin dry and clean.
• Change your underwear and socks daily.
• Always trim your toenails and fingernails and keep them short and clean.
• Avoid sharing your towels, clothes, or any other personal things with others.

If you are an athlete, you can follow these preventive measures to avoid ringworm:

• Always clean your sports gear.
• Do not share your helmets, leg pads, or any other sports gear.
• While using public showers or locker rooms, always wear protective shoes.
• Always take a bath after a game, match, practice session, etc.

Ringworm is a common fungal infection transmitted through persons, animals, infected accessories, or soil. However, identifying the exact cause and taking preventive measures can reduce the risks of severe infection.