Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal skin infection. It can occur anywhere on the body but is particularly common in the groin area and on the feet. A person can use medicated ointments and creams to treat ringworm topically.
For more severe infections, a person may need to take oral antifungal medications. Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets.
In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months. During this time, people should take the necessary precautions to prevent reinfection. Despite the name, ringworm refers to several types of contagious fungal infection.
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How long is it contagious? After starting treatment How does it spread? Preventing ringworm Preventing spread Treatment Summary Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes ring-shaped lesions on the outer layers of the skin. How long is it contagious overall? Treatment A single patch of ringworm can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Ask how often it should be applied and for how many days. If there are many patchy areas, the doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine.
Ringworm usually goes away within 4 weeks of treatment. How to Put on the Antifungal Cream Wash and dry your hands. Wash the rash with soap and water in the bathtub, bathroom sink or pan. Do not use the kitchen sink to wash the rash. Dry the rash completely with a paper towel or clean cloth towel.
Do not touch this towel to healthy skin. A cloth towel must be washed before it is used again. Apply a thin layer of cream just past the outside edges of the rash. Spread the cream, beginning from the outside area first, then move toward the center of the rash Picture 1.
Do not cover the ringworm with a bandage. Wash and dry your hands well. How to Prevent Ringworm The fungus grows well on warm, dark, moist areas of the body. If not, the infection can come back and spread to other parts of the body. To help heal the skin, it's important to keep the affected area clean and dry.
Your child should:. Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp. Reviewed by: Michelle P. Tellado, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Ringworm? What Causes Ringworm? Is Ringworm Contagious?
Ringworm can spread: from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact, especially in warm, damp environments to other areas of the body if a person touches the affected area and then touches other body parts, such as the hands from animals to people How Do People Get Ringworm?
How Is Ringworm Diagnosed? How Is Ringworm Treated? Your child should: Wash and then dry the area with a clean towel. A separate clean towel should be used for the rest of the 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?
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