Ringworm

Ringworm is a common infection caused by fungi, not a worm. It is named ringworm because of the recognisable ring-shaped rashes that form on the body. Other symptoms can include scaly patches, itchy skin or scalp, and loss of hair.

Ringworm can affect any area of your skin or scalp and is usually named according to the part of your body affected. It is contagious and can spread by direct contact with other infected people, animals, or surfaces. You can treat ringworm by yourself using anti-fungal treatment.  

The symptoms of ringworm include:

• Ring-shaped rashes that are red or darker than the surrounding area of skin.
• Scaly patches or blisters on the skin.
• Itching of the affected area.
• Loss of hair on the affected scalp.

Ringworm is caused by some fungi that cause skin disease, called dermatophytes.

It can affect all ages, but you are more at risk if:

• You live in regions with warm climates like Nigeria.
• You have skin-to-skin contact with infected people.
• You share combs, clothes or swimming pools with infected people.
• You wear tight clothes that rub painfully on your skin.
• You live in overcrowded rooms.
• You do not practice good hygiene.

You should visit your healthcare provider if you have skin rashes that do not go away after self-care.

You can prevent ringworm by taking general precautions  like:

• Keeping your skin clean and dry always.
• Avoid sharing personal items.

Self-care tips:

You can manage ringworm by:

• Use of over-the-counter anti-fungal creams like sulfur ointment, nixoderm cream or clotrimoxazole cream.
• Apply over-the-counter anti-fungal creams to the affected areas twice daily.
• Avoid triple-action creams since these are likely to worsen your skin condition and cause complications.
• Avoid sharing personal items and clothing, like combs, singlets, socks and caps.
• Wear loose, breathable cotton clothes that absorb moisture and keep your skin dry.
• Always keep your skin clean and dry.
• Avoid wearing wet underwear or socks.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching pets.

Treatment options:

• Your healthcare provider may recommend stronger anti-fungal medications if the infection does not go away following self-care.

Having ringworm can be uncomfortable, especially if it itches. If left untreated, it could become infected with bacteria, making it worse. You should keep your skin clean and dry. Ringworm usually goes away without visits to a health care provider.