How does ringworm look when it first starts

To help heal the skin, it's important to keep the affected area clean and dry. You should: Wash and then dry the area with a clean towel. Use a separate clean towel for the rest of your body. Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed on the label. Change clothing every day. Treat any other fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. How Long Does Ringworm Last? Can Ringworm Be Prevented? Ringworm can often be prevented. To avoid it: Keep your skin clean and dry.

Wash daily and dry completely, particularly after showering, swimming, and sweaty activities. Use clean towels and avoid sharing clothing, towels, combs, brushes, and hats. Wash sports gear and uniforms as often as possible and don't share them. Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Change your clothes every day. This develops in men who can grow facial hair. Most men get it when they have contact with infected animal, which may explain why farmers and ranchers seem to develop it more often.

Signs and symptoms appear on the bearded area of the face and neck, and you may notice:. A ringworm infection can develop in men who can grow facial hair. Signs appear on the bearded area of the face and neck. Signs of a ringworm infection on the scalp can include widespread scaly patches, in addition to baldness with thick, crusty patches on the scalp. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you should see a dermatologist.

You could have ringworm or another type of skin infection. Treatment can cure a skin infection. Dermatology for Skin of Color. China, Mosby Elsevier, China, Cards 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, and Mosby Elsevier, Spain, Verma S and Heffernan MP. It appears as pink plaques with heavy white scales. Small isolated plaques can sometimes look similar to ringworm. However, ringworm on your trunk or limbs tinea corporis will usually have a circular appearance with clearing in the middle.

It will also usually be an isolated spot or limited to only a few lesions. Plaque psoriasis skin lesions are usually larger, involve more areas of the skin, and occur in distinct locations lower back, elbows, knees. The conditions have different underlying causes as well.

A fungus causes ringworm, while a dysfunctional immune system causes psoriasis. Find out how to identify ringworm and psoriasis.

If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other areas of the body. A person can also risk spreading the infection to someone else. Other potential areas of complication include:. The complications of tinea capitis ringworm of the scalp are especially worrisome, since it can produce life-long permanent hair loss.

Practicing healthy and hygienic behaviors can prevent ringworm. Infections may come from contact with animals and lack of proper hygiene.

Here are several tips to avoid ringworm:. Examples of these drugs fine to use when applied topically include:. Examples include:. You can get ringworm from your dog. Watch your dog regularly for signs that they may have ringworm. They will usually have a loss of fur on their skin, often in a circular pattern.

You should also wash your hands frequently after petting your dog to reduce infection risk whenever possible. According to the American Kennel Club , cats are more prone to getting ringworm than dogs are.

They can pass the condition along to their human owners as well. Like ringworm in dogs, if you spot ringworm in cats, call the veterinarian. They can prescribe antifungal treatments. You should also always wash your hands after petting your cat and try to clean all of the items they come in contact with, such as brushes and water bowls.

If you do get ringworm from your cat, you can treat it the same as you would any fungal infection. This includes topical antifungals. Ringworm is a contagious skin infection causing a small, itchy, ring-shaped rash. It's not a worm. We break down what causes it and how to treat it.

Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection. Also called Tinea capitis, it causes small patches of itchy, scaly skin. Read on to learn how to manage…. In fact, most cases of ringworm can be treated at home.

Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp tinea capitis and groin jock itch. They can look at the rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine.

This might be a cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is. You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks.

It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away.