Fungal infections (Ringworm)

Service Description

➤ Self-assessment checklist Small, round, red patch with well-defined bumpy or scaly border that usually occurs on neck, trunk or limbs. May feel itchy or burning ➤ What is ringworm? Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus. It causes a rash that can appear on many different parts of the body. It is called ringworm because it sometimes looks like a ring. ➤ What causes it? Ringworm is caused by a fungus. It's not caused by a worm. The kinds of fungi that cause ringworm live and spread on the top layer of the skin and on the hair. They grow best in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds. Ringworm is contagious. It spreads when you have skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal that has it. It can also spread when you share things like towels, clothing, or sports gear. ➤ What are the symptoms? Ringworm usually causes an itchy rash. It often makes a pattern in the shape of a ring, but not always. The rash may be peeling, cracking, scaling, and red. It can affect the face, groin, hands, and other parts of the body. ➤ What happens when you have ringworm? Ringworm of the skin can start as a small patch of itchy, red, or scaling skin. The rash can spread and cover a large area. Clothing that rubs the skin can irritate the rash. Sweat, heat, or moisture in the air (humidity) can make the itching and infection worse. As the infection becomes worse, the ring-shaped pattern and red-brown colour may become more visible. If not treated, the skin can become irritated and painful. Skin blisters and cracks can become infected with bacteria and require antibiotics. Ringworm can also spread to other parts of the body, including the feet, nails, scalp, or beard. After treatment, the rash will go away. But ringworm can return unless you follow steps to prevent it. The tendency to get fungal skin infections or to have them return after treatment seems to run in families.

Contact Details

• 300 Columbia Street #112, Kamloops, BC, Canada