 |
|
Home >>
Ask a question >>
Medicines and Remedies |
|
Causes of Ringworm
How do you get ringworms
(11 Nov 2009)
|
|
|
Ringworm is just one of the many fungal infections caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi also responsible for some of the most common fungal skin infections. Other common infections caused by the same group include athlete’s foot or tinea pedis, jock itch or tinea cruris, and athlete’s foot. Ringworm is medically known as tinea corporis and the condition can afflict the scalp or body.
Ringworm develops along the top layers of the skin and is characterized by the appearance of a red circular rash, which is very distinctive and the reason behind its name. The rash causes intense itching. Contrary to popular belief it is not caused by a worm, but as mentioned earlier by a fungal infection.
Ringworm is a highly contagious infection and caused by a variety of factors, but is preventable. Understanding the causes can also help you prevent or contain infection.
- Ringworm can be spread through direct skin contact with an infected individual.
- Ringworm can also be passed from a variety of animals that we may come in contact with. Popular pets like cats and dogs can also become carriers of the infection, as can animals like rabbits, goats, pigs and ferrets.
- Contaminated objects that have been used by an infected individual can also become a source of contagion, like clothing, linen, combs, and towels.
- In the rarest of cases the infection may be picked up through contact with contaminated soil, but it would need to be prolonged contact.
Ringworm is not horribly easy to prevent because the fungal infection is quite common and it is contagious even before the appearance of symptoms. This means that it can strike without warning. There are however, several precautions that you can take that will help minimize the risks of infection.
- Be informed about the risks and the symptoms so that you can look out for and avoid contact with infected pets or humans and seek appropriate treatment for the infected.
- High levels of hygiene are the biggest safeguard against infection and it would help to wash your hands thoroughly as frequently as possible and keep areas like common rooms, showers, locker rooms, and child care centers clean.
- Infection in animals is not always easy to detect, so make sure you get your pets checked regularly and avoid contact with strays.
- Never share personal items with others or borrow similar items; these could include towels, clothing, hair brushes, caps, footwear and other personal items.
|
|
answered by S D on 11 Nov 2009, 2:13:27
|
|
|
|
Read more questions in Medicines and Remedies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
