What is Ringworm?Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a rash on body, caused by fungal infection. The ringworm allergy is generally a red, circular, and itchy rash with clear skin in the middle. The name ringworm comes from the appearance- otherwise there are no worms involved. Ringworm allergy is linked to jock itch (tinea cruris), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and ringworm in hair (tinea capitis)- depending on which part of the body it appears.
Click here for more information about ringworm – by expert dermatologist (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain).
For consultation regarding ringworm or any other skin-related issues, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology today and get an appointment with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Ringworm Causes/ Is ringworm contagious?
Tinea cruris is caused by dermatophytes belonging to three genera: Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. Trichophyton rubrum has been mostly isolated and remains the most frequent cause of tinea cruris worldwide.
It is often asked, is ringworm contagious? The answer is yes; it is a contagious fungal infection. The common mold-like parasites that cause ringworm live on the cells of skin’s outer layer. They can also be found in environment, like surfaces, and household items, including towels, clothing, and bedding. Major ringworm causes include:
Human to human – direct, skin-to-skin contact with the infected person can spread ringworm
Animal to human – touching an animal with ringworm can also result in contracting ringworm. Grooming and petting cats, dogs and cows can spread the infection.
Object to human– contacting surfaces of objects, that were recently touched or rubbed against by the infected human or animal, can cause spread of ringworm. These objects include towels, clothing, bedding, combs, brushes, and linen.
Soil to human contact– although rare, infected soil can also transmit infection to humans. However, it is only likely to occur after prolonged contact with the infected soil.
Ringworm Symptoms
Ringworm symptoms and signs generally include:
- Scaly ring-shaped patch, usually on trunk, buttocks, legs, and arms
- Itchiness
- Scaly or clear patch inside the ring, generally with scattered bumps. The color of these bumps ranges from reddish on white skin, to purplish, reddish, grey or brown on black and brown skin.
- Expanding and slightly raised rings
- Flat and round patch of itchy skin
- Overlapping rings
- Ringworm in hair usually cause bald patches, in addition to all the other symptoms
If you are having any of the above-mentioned symptoms, click here for more information about ringworm, by expert dermatologist in Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain.
For early diagnosis and treatment of ringworm and other skin-related diseases, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of dermatology and cosmetology. Our representatives are also available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches.
Ringworm Risk Factors
Several risk factors have been identified that predispose an individual to tinea cruris, including:
- Excessive perspiration
- Occlusive clothing
- Improper hygiene
- Diabetes mellitus
- Immunocompromise
- Lower socioeconomic status
Ringworm Treatment
Ringworm treatment depends on the site of infection, and the level of seriousness. For infection on skin, including jock itch and athlete’s foot, over-the-counter (OTC) ringworm medicine is recommended, like antifungal lotion, cream, or powder. Regular use of ringworm medicine for 2 to 4 weeks kills the fungus and minimizes the chances of infection coming back. However, if the infection is on scalp or multiple places in the body, prescription-only antifungal medicine would be required.
In addition to medication, simple measures like keeping the hands clean, washing towels, bedding, and clothes regularly, wearing shower shoes and showering after workout can also help in preventing and treating ringworm efficiently. Getting your pets checked for fungal infection regularly can also help in preventing ringworm.
Ringworm Marks Removal
Ringworm marks are generally discolored or brown, and flat. They might cover small or large patch and sometimes they are permanent. Although are not harmful, and usually fade with time, to minimize the appearance of these scars early, following methods are commonly used:
Dermabrasion– a cosmetic procedure, performed by licensed medical professional, to smooth out the discolored and scarred skin using a rapidly rotating device, that buffs the skin to remove outer skin. Once the skin grows back, it is evenly toned and smoother.
Laser therapy– it involves exposing scarred and discolored skin to intense laser beam, to remove outer layer of skin or spark new skin growth in damaged patches. The method is safe and effective when performed by licensed medical professional. Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology offers laser scar removal treatment, performed by expert dermatologists and cosmetologists, using modern equipment and state-of-the-art technology. Contact us for consultation and more information regarding the laser scar removal procedure.
Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Dermatology
If you are having symptoms of ringworm, or any other skin-related disease, consult an expert dermatologist/ cosmetologist at the earliest. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratories, to provide early detection and treatment options for all the patients.
Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain for ringworm and all other skin-related diseases. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
