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Ringworm (cont.)
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
In this Article
- Ringworm facts
- What does the term ringworm mean?
- Is ringworm contagious?
- What causes ringworm?
- What are the sources of skin fungi?
- What are risk factors for ringworm?
- What types of ringworm are there? What are ringworm symptoms and signs?
- How is ringworm diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for ringworm? Are there home remedies?
- How can ringworm be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for ringworm?
- Pictures of Ringworm - Slideshow
- Pictures of Skin Conditions - Quiz
- Pictures of Childhood Skin Problems - Slideshow
- Find a local Dermatologist in your town
How can ringworm be prevented?
Conventional wisdom holds that minimizing sweat and moisture can help prevent fungal infections. Common recommendations along these lines are for men to wear boxer shorts, for women to avoid panty hose, and so forth. Whether these measures, some of which are quite difficult to implement, are really worth all of the effort is open to question.
You can also take steps to prevent transmission of ringworm infections. Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, hair accessories, or other personal care items. Wearing sandals or shoes in gyms, locker rooms, and at pools can help reduce your chances of contracting athlete's foot. You should avoid touching pets that have signs of ringworm (typically bald spots).
What is the prognosis (outlook) for ringworm?
Ringworm can be cured with appropriate treatment. Ringworm of the skin typically resolves after two to three weeks' treatment, while cases of ringworm of the scalp or nails may require treatment for a few months. Complications are rare and can include a secondary bacterial infection of the skin or a widespread fungal infection (extremely rare and more likely to occur in individuals with suppressed immune systems).
Additional resources from WebMD Boots UK on Ringworm
Medically reviewed by Norman Levine, MD, Board Certified - American Board of Dermatology
REFERENCES:
Lesher Jr., Jack L. "Tinea Corporis." eMedicine.com. Dec. 2, 2009. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091473-overview>.
Rashid, Rashid M. "Tinea in emergency medicine." Medscape.com. Mar. 9, 2011. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/787217-overview>.
Rashid, Rashid M., and Andrew C. Miller. "Tinea." eMedicine. May 12, 2009. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/787217-overview>.
United States. "Ringworm and Animals." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 28, 2010. <http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/ringworm.htm>.
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