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Long-Term Effects of Ringworm
Ringworm is a type of fungal skin infection that people can get from contact with a person or animal that has a ringworm infection 1. According to the National Institutes of Health, while people of all ages can get ringworm, it is especially common among children 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a ringworm include itchy, red patches that may be raised 1. If you get ringworm on your scalp or where you have facial hair, ringworm will cause a bald patch 1.
Identification
Bumps in a Circle on the Skin
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Doctors usually diagnose ringworm based on the appearance of the skin or by using a blue light to see if the area is florescent 1. A doctor can also collect skin cells and view them under a microscope to test for ringworm 1.
Treatment
While over-the-counter ointments can be used to treat ringworm, doctors may prescribe a lotion, cream, ointment or oral medication 1.
Effects
Ringworm Life Cycle
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While ringworm will usually go away over a month's time, there can be long-term effects, including the spread of the ringworm to other parts of the body, bacterial skin infections or permanent baldness if the ringworm is on the scalp or where facial hair grows 12.
Prevention
You can help prevent getting ringworm by washing your hands regularly, especially after contact with animals 1. Also refrain from sharing personal items such as clothing or towels and keep common areas clean.
Related Articles
References
- NIH: Ringworm
- Mayo Clinic: Ringworm (Body)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Ringworm: A Serious but Readily Treatable Affliction. 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ringworm Information for Healthcare Professionals. Updated February 6, 2020.
- Ely JW, Rosenfeld S, Seabury Stone M. Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-710.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Ringworm: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome.”
- Laniosz V, Wetter DA. "What's New in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Dermatophytosis?" Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2014 Sep;33(3):136-9.
Writer Bio
Erika Dean has been writing since 2000. She has published many articles for Demand Studios and enjoys writing about the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows OS, and the Internet (MySpace, Facebook, email). Dean has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Winthrop University and is a former English/language arts teacher.