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Ringworm in humans is very common and affects an estimated 20% of population. It is not actually caused by worms but gets the name due to the shape of the rash which shows up on the skin as a reddish circular shape, or ring. Ringworm is actually a fungus, of which there are multiple variations.

The trademark sign of ringworm on humans is the round, raised and reddish rash on the skin with normal looking skin in the middle. In addition the rash may be crusty and hard to the touch. The human head is also prone to catch this fungal infection, especially the scalp. Although ringworm of the scalp can show up as the signature round circle ring, it may also show itself as a small sore much like a pimple that slowly grows larger over time.

Temporary bald patches may occur with ringworm of the scalp. This is due to the hair follicles becoming hardened and brittle in the areas where the rash occurs, causing the hair to break at their base. The hair does not die however, and will grow back once the rash is cleared up. It can be very unbecoming, however, and creates embarrassment for those infected in this way. The most common form of ringworm, which has probably affected just about everyone at one time in their life, is athletes foot. Though there are not tell-tale rings with this fungus, it is just as itchy and irritating. Athletes foot is not hard to treat and there are many over the counter treatments to choose from. All types of ringworm are quite contagious, and one must be diligent in their treatment in order to fully cure it.

The most common way to contract ringworm is through direct contact with another person or animal that has the infection. And because the fungus can remain dormant for extended periods of time, it can be passed by coming into contact with infected objects, such as clothing, furniture or other fixtures. Ringworm also has a long incubation period (10 days) so it is often difficult if not impossible to figure out where it was first contracted. The quickest way to get rid of ringworm (though not necessarily the most inexpensive) is getting a diagnosis from a doctor so the correct treatment can be prescribed.

Bandages should be used to cover the rash to minimize further infection of yourself or others. Treatments must be carried out to the very end, otherwise the rash will likely reappear. Anything that could have possibly come into contact with the fungus, clothing, furniture and fixtures should be thoroughly washed with bleach and hot water. Avoid any contact with pets or people until the rash has completely cleared up.

Ringworm, though not necessarily painful, is extremely itchy. And scratching the rash and then touching yourself or something else is how it spreads. You must not scratch. This is easier said then done, however, as ringworm is an incredibly itchy rash. Even with treatment the rash generally remains very itchy for up to five days. After that point, with treatment, the rash and itchiness should slowly subside.

Ringworm is an irritating fungus. Once you get it you must stay diligent in your treatment efforts to the very end, even when it appears the fungus is gone. Remember it can remain dormant away from the body and then can start growing again once contact is made with the skin. You don’t want to go through multiple treatments of the ringworm infection. Do your treatment correctly the first time so that it never comes back.

Ringworm in humans can be extremely difficult to cure. For more information on how to cure your ringworm visit http://RingwormRemedy.slhost3.com. Browse the site and then sign up for your free “10 Steps to Curing Ringworm” email mini-course.

Ringworm, despite its name having “worm” in it, is not really an infection caused by a worm. Ringworm is caused by a fungus that develops and lives on the epidermal layer of the skin. One of the key problems with ringworm is that it is highly contagious and is easily passed not only from human to human contact, but also from contact with animals. Contact with an infected person or animal is the most common way to contract the infection. It also has a ten day incubation period which allows it to spread from person to person without any visible signs of infection.

In addition to human to human or animal to human contact, ringworm can also be spread from contact with objects that have been touched by an infected person or animal. Ringworm can also be contracted by humans by contact with soil, though this is rare. Animals, however, often contract the fungus this way.

The visible signs of ringworm are a red rash on the skin that is circular in shape. The interior part of the red circular rash generally has normal looking skin. The outer edges are generally raised with a rather crusty look and feel to it. The round look of the rash is where ringworm derives it name. Not all ringworm infections have this look, however. Both athletes foot and jock itch are types of ringworm as well.

Jock itch, as the name implies, infects the skin around the groin area, which is generally moist. Jock itch also shows up as a red rash, but does not have any circular patterns to it. Athletes foot, probably the most common form of ringworm, infects the bottom of the feet as well as skin between the toes. It is generally dry and scaly. Another lesser know form of ringworm is ringworm of the hand. This is similar to athletes foot in appearance with the skin between the fingers being moist, often with open sores.

For the most part treating ringworm is fairly easy. Some people prefer to start treating ringworm with an over the counter anti-fungal medication. With some kinds of ringworm this is very effective. But, since there are many forms of ringworm ranging in severity, often the best answer is to get a prescription from your doctor. You should refrain from scratching your rash. Although it is a very itchy infection, it is the scratching that spreads the infection to other parts of your body. It is very important to wash any fabrics that have come into direct contact with the infection in hot water and bleach. When using public showers, wear flip flops in the shower and avoid touching the walls as much as possible. Avoid direct contact with other people and pets. You should keep your rash covered as much as possible. Even though ringworm fungus thrives in a warm damp environment, one has a better chance to spread the infection through contact.

Ringworm is easy to get and hard to get rid of. Because days pass before the first signs show up it can be spread without anyone even knowing they have it. With that being said, its always best to error on the side of caution when using any type of public facility. Always wear foot protection when in a public shower or gym and avoid unnecessary contact with furniture or people. Gymnastic facilities where mats are used are often a good spreading ground for ringworm. Make sure mats and pads are washed on a regular and frequent basis, and avoid going barefoot if at all possible. If, despite your best efforts, you still catch ringworm, keep with your treatment until all signs of the fungus are gone. Most people fail to totally cure their infection because they don’t stay diligent in their treatment efforts

For additional information on ringworm and how to cure it visit http://ringwormremedy.slhost3.com and sign up for our free email mini-course “10 Secrets to Curing Ringworm”.