Posts Tagged ‘ring worm’

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Tinea Pedis

Athlete’s foot is a rash that occurs on the soles of the feet and the skin between the toes. It is the most common fungal infection in the United States and is estimated to affect up to 70% of the world’s population at some time in their life. Ringworm athlete’s foot, tinea pedis in medical terms, is common worldwide in adults of both sexes and all races.  In a study done comparing professional and college soccer players to non-athletes did show that athlete’s foot was notably more common in the soccer players. This infection is not only found in athletes. It is also common in military personnel, boarding school students, and farm workers.

There are three main types of athlete’s foot.  Each type has a different appearance and symptoms, though any two or even all three types may occur together.  Interdigital athlete’s foot is an infection of the web spaces between the toes.  It is most often seen between the 4th and 5th toes. The skin appears moist and waterlogged and is often itchy.  This is the most common kind of athlete’s foot.  It has been found that some people seem to be much more susceptible to athlete’s foot than others.  Even in those who have an otherwise normal immune system. There is a type of immunity known as the innate immune system.  It could be that slight variances in this system may make some people more resistant to athlete’s foot than others. Studies have shown that a protein with antimicrobial properties, known as beta-defensin-2, is elevated in skin from people with athlete’s foot, suggesting that this protein may play a role in host defense against fungus.

Ringworm, athlete’s foot, tinea pedis are all names for this contagious skin infection.  It may be contracted by using locker rooms and communal showers that are teeming with the causative fungi. It is more common in areas of high heat and humidity and in people who wear shoes. It is a fact that in cultures where people go barefoot, athlete’s foot is quite rare.  The fungi that cause athlete’s foot require moisture in order to grow. Feet that spend hours a day confined in shoes provide the damp dark environment needed.  To prevent athlete’s foot be aware of these risk factors, living in a warm humid climate, wearing air-tight shoes, using locker rooms and public showers, having another fungal infection such as jock itch, fungal toenails, or fungal infection of the hand, Immunosuppression and diabetes mellitus.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Rash

There are various signs and symptoms of ringworm athlete’s foot rash and will, in most cases, not be apparent at the same time.  Some symptoms that may indicate you have contracted an affliction of ringworm, athlete’s foot rash are itching, stinging and burning between your toes, itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet, itchy blisters are some of the signs.  Other signs are dry flaking skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet, excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet, and toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed.

With athlete’s foot and jock itch infection, the skin often becomes itchy, and the rash can spread quickly.  It is a common occurrence to have both jock itch and athlete’s foot at the same time.  This is no surprise since both are caused by fungi.  Athlete’s foot rash as well as jock itch is a form of ringworm.  Not a worm at all it affects the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails.  The infection is in reality a fungal infection affecting the feet and can also spread to other body parts.

Athlete’s foot rash is an extremely common skin disorder. It is the most common and perhaps the most persistent of the fungal infections. As hinted by the name, in instances of fungal ringworm, athlete’s foot rash is widespread in male athletes, but definitely not limited to them. Using public showers and locker rooms will increase the prospect of getting athlete’s foot rash.  Fungi breed, grow and spread in steamy locker rooms where you will find wet towels, sweat dampened workout clothes, and damp floors.

Athlete’s foot rash is an itchy rash affecting the feet that is very common.  Athlete’s foot rash normally is not serious but the infection is aggravating and a nusiance. Secondary bacterial infection can result from the fungal infection and is something to watch out for.  These other complications may develop as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.

To prevent the spread of the fungus from your feet to other areas such as the groin, put your socks on before you put on your underwear.  Wear shower shoes when public showers and locker rooms are used.  Dry off well after you exercise and shower.  Don’t share your towel with anyone.  Workout clothes, underwear, socks, and towels should always be washed after each use.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Toenails

Ringworm is a widespread fungal infection. The dermatophyte fungus that causes ringworm of the foot and ringworm of the nails live on human skin. Ringworm of the foot is also called athlete’s foot. It appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.  Ringworm of the nails causes the affected nails to become thicker, discolored, and brittle, or to become chalky and disintegrate.

The infection most commonly shows up between the toes first and then moves to the arch. Between toes the fungus may have an uneven border with scaling present. Flare-ups may cause increased redness, and irritation. The soles of the feet may become infected causing skin thickening as the fungal infection spreads. Severe cases can cause pain, itching, inflammation and redness. When ringworm athlete’s foot affects the toe nails, they may become infected causing a change in color, thickness and surface smoothness. Mild cases may be treated with topical anti-fungal products. Oral medication may be required in severe systemic cases.

A toenail fungus or fingernail fungus will develop when conditions are right. The first condition is the presence of a warm and damp environment. These conditions allow a rapid growth and the spread of the dermatophytes. Socks and shoes are perfect places to foster this environment. Socks that do not absorb moisture away from the feet become breeding grounds of the nail fungus. Vinyl shoes or shoes that are too tight and do not allow the feet to breath will encourage the feet to sweat. The moisture encourages the nail fungus to grow.

Nail fungus or in medical terms,Tinea Unguium, comes from tiny organisms that live in fingernails as well as toenails. These microorganisms use nails of our fingers and toes very effectively as barricades. If the infection sets in the barricade may prevent treatment of the skin ailment.  Nail infections are fairly common. The nail bed is where the fungi usually grow. The fungus grows slowly but luckily does not accumulate in other internal organs of the body.

The mere presence of the dermatophytes on the skin does not immediately mean a ringworm athlete’s foot toenail fungal infection. The good news is fungal infections are not considered contagious nor are they easily transmitted by different individuals. As is common with most infections, nail fungus affects people with weaker immune systems. Be aware that fungi easily survive on weak defense systems.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Nails

Discolored fingernails or toenails may be a reason to suspect a nail fungus infection. Symptoms like brittle nail, distorted nail shape and a nail that is dull and without shine can be telltale signs of nail fungus infection. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, nail fungi, etc. is caused by fungi which are microscopic organisms that needs sunlight in order to live. Nail fungus can actually become an aggressive infection that may spread throughout the nail bed.  This can result in the separation of the nails from its nail bed. This nail fungus condition is called onycholysis.

These microscopic organisms that cause ringworm athlete’s foot nail infections typically grow in damp, moist and warm environments. Nail fungus are frequently present in showers and pools. It is easy enough for ringworm, athlete’s foot, nail infection and other fungi to invade the body through tiny cuts from the skin. Nail fungus can also grow from going through the tiny separation area between the nail bed and the nail.  Nail fungus then thrive once the nail is exposed continuously in moisture and in dark, warm environment. These conditions can encourage the quick spread of nail fungus and can easily progress into a more chronic nail fungus infection that is not only unsightly to look at but can also potentially cause pain.  With a rapidly growing population of toe fungus, the nails of the feet become the food of these dermatophytes.  The nails will become discolored and brittle. White or yellowish patches appear, signaling that the nails are no longer healthy. And there is debris that accumulates under the nails. Such debris came from the rotting dead nail fungus and the decaying bits of nails. And such debris produces an incredibly stinky smell. Other symptoms indicating that there is a nail fungus infection include the deformation of the nails. The nails will also get so thick that wearing socks and shoes become uncomfortable.

Toenails are often more affected by nail fungus than fingernails because of its constant exposure to moist, dark and warm environment such as when wearing shoes and socks. The location of toenails on our bodies makes it more susceptible to nail fungus because of the diminished circulation to the toe area. Since less blood is circulated to the toes carrying  the essential nutrients the immune system is weakened.  This makes it somewhat harder to fight the infection caused by nail fungus.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis, in medical terms, is a fungal infection of the skin.    Although in most circumstances the condition usually affects the feet, it can spread to other areas of the body.  This infection shows such symptoms as scaling, flaking, and itching of areas infected.  Athlete’s foot appears between the toes as a scaly, itchy rash. It can range from a mild irritation to cracking and peeling, making the skin very sore and more prone to bacterial infection.

Watch the warm moist areas of the body because the fungi that cause ringworm tend to grow there.  Areas that are frequently moist from perspiration and skin folds that stay damp are especially vulnerable.  Good examples are the feet, the groin or the scalp.  That is why Athlete’s Foot is so commonplace and tends to affect more often than not, athletes.

Wearing 100% cotton socks is a good start to preventing Ringworm Athlete’s foot infection. Change your socks when they are damp or if your feet get wet.  Clean, dry socks should be worn every day. Over-the-counter antifungal foot powder can be used inside your socks to help with keeping your feet dry. It is important that skin is kept clean and dry. Infection is less likely if a person follows the tips suggested below:

* Take your shoes off and expose your feet to the air when at home.
* Change your socks and underwear every day, especially in warm weather.
* Dry your feet and especially between the toes after using a locker room or public shower.
* Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Wearing some type of shower shoes are recommended.
* Don’t wear thick clothing in warm weather. Sweating is more likely and will promote fungal infections.
* Get rid of worn-out exercise shoes. Never borrow other people’s shoes.
* Don’t share towels or clothing.
* Check your pets for areas of hair loss. Find out whether they’re causing your fungal infection.
* Clean shared exercise equipment before use.

Fungi that cause Athlete’s foot grow best in steamy locker rooms filled with damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors.  Using public showers and locker rooms will up the chances of a person getting Ringworm Athlete’s foot.  Athlete’s foot usually is not serious but can be extremely annoying, Secondary complications may develop as such things as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.  Coming down with a secondary bacterial infection that can sometimes accompany the fungal infection is something to keep an eye out for and be concerned about.

Ringworm Selsun Blue

Ringworm of the scalp is most commonly caused by a fungus. This is one of the most tenacious types of Ringworm infections. Adults can be carriers of Ringworm.  This also true of children, but is not seen as often.  Carriers can pass Ringworm on to others but do not have symptoms of the disease. You may not know it even if it is present.

According to statistics, seven percent of the population of the United States is affected by this type of Ringworm infection. This particular type more easily affects the children in the age group of four years to fifteen years of age than any other age group. People affected with diabetes or cancer, are also more vulnerable to attack from this form of Ringworm.  Scalp Ringworm may often be confused with other skin conditions.

What treatment is best for Scalp Ringworm?  According to some using a medicated shampoo is best to get rid of Ringworm, Selsun Blue is one of those. The selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione ingredients found in Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders and similar shampoos have the capability of eliminating the ringworm spores. There are also shampoos available that contain tea tree oil which is a much lauded home remedy for Ringworm.

Scalp ringworm or ringworm of the beard may look like dandruff with flakes of dead skin on the hair or beard. There may be areas of round or oval patches of baldness. The skin under the hair or beard may be itchy, red, and peeling. The hair becomes brittle with infection and breaks off near the root as fungi invade the hair. The result is patches of baldness. In head area infection cases of Scalp ringworm hair loss is a likely possibility.  The infection can spread gradually and cover quite a large area.

The infection easily spreads through close physical contact or by touching common items.  Person to person, ringworm often spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual. Object to person, ringworm can spread through contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has touched, such as clothing, towels, bed linens, combs or brushes. Do not share these items.  This often how ringworm infections are spread among family members, in schools and day-care centers and re-infection occurs.  Children can contract ringworm by grooming or petting an animal with ringworm. As seen with humans, animals can carry the infection and exhibit any obvious signs.

Tea Tree Oil Ringworm

Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic. It is also a germicide, antibacterial, fungicide. It is used by many people for a wide variety of things.  There is no end to the uses of tea tree oil.  It is used to treat things like athletes foot, cold and flu, oral thrush, cold sores and canker sores, tooth ache and gum infections, ringworm, candida, head lice or louse, cleanser additive, gum problems, mosquito bites, bug repellent, cockroaches, deter flees, mouth ulcers, herpes, cuts, abrasions, after shave, sunburn, anorectic or vaginal yeast infections, unwanted body odors, acne, toe nail infections, and believe it or not, the list goes on.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a multi-purpose herb that goes back to the Aboriginal people of Australia. For thousands of years now they have used theses leaves as an antiseptic and antifungal by crushing the leaves and creating mudpacks.  In 1770, the name tea tree oil was given to the herb by the British explorer Captain James Cook and his crew. The Australian natives kept it relatively secret for years but their government considered tea tree oil a World War II essential ingredient in their armed forces’ first aid kits. Increased use of pharmaceutical antibiotics decreased tea tree oil’s popularity everywhere except in Australia after the war. Tea tree oil started to regain favor in 1960 and today is also grown in California.

As mentioned above tea tree oil can be used to treat fungal infections. Tea tree oil is an excellent antifungal agent and can be used to treat Candida albicans, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, thrush, and onychomycosis, which are nail infections.  When using a treatment of tea tree oil ringworm will respond favorably by putting a few drops of tea tree oil in a handful of water as a rinse after thoroughly cleaning the area with soap and water, or tea tree oil can be added to a liquid soap or shampoo.  There are also shampoos and soaps available that already contain tea tree oil that can be bought just about anywhere.

For ringworm and nail infections, bath and laundry water can be disinfected by adding a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the tub and washing machine.  Applying a tea tree gel, cream, or essential oil are other ways to use tea tree oil on fungal infections such as ringworm.   Tea tree oil’s natural solvent properties make it a great product for washing cotton diapers; as a deodorizer, or disinfectant; to remove mold; and to treat houseplants for molds, fungus, and parasitic infections.

Ringworm Nail Polish

There is a new home treatment for ringworm, nail polish.   Believers suggest painting the infected area with clear nail polish and letting it dry.  Clear nail polish is the color of choice since colored ones will take longer to dry. The dried layer of nail polish is supposed to smother the fungus and cause it to die. Use a black light is recommended to locate and identify the fungus so the nail polish can be applied to the exact areas of infection.

Ringworm is a contagious, fungal infection of the skin. It is characterized mostly by scaly red rings which appear on the skin. Breakouts can occur anywhere on the body and the infection can range from minor all the way to a major where a goodly portion of the body is affected.  Ringworm is not necessarily a serious condition but it can be frustrating to stop the spreading and to get rid of the infection. Over-the-counter creams, drugs and doctor visits do not always work for everyone, so more and more people are opting for home remedies such as nail polish.

Use caution when choosing this route. There are some people that may be allergic to the contents in nail polish so this method should be used with care.  For people with delicate skin, this ringworm home treatment may not be their best solution option. Another thought to consider is the fumes for the polish itself. The majority of commercial nail polish still contains toxic elements such as toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.   These elements can affect the nervous system.  They can also cause liver damage, kidney damage and cancer.

Some steps to follow if using nail polish for ringworm treatment is apply clear nail polish to the ring worm site. Be sure to completely cover each fungal site with a layer of the polish. This suffocates the fungi.  Leave it on all day.  Remove the polish after eight hours with nail polish remover. The recommended way to do this is to soak a paper towel or napkin in the remover and hold it over the infected area for a few minutes. Dispose of the paper towel after use to keep from spreading the infection.  Let the area dry out thoroughly for about fifteen minutes.  Reapply the clear nail polish to the infected site. Repeat these steps until the ringworm disappears. Colored nail polish should be avoided as it stains clothes. Remember, be consistent with whatever home remedy you choose for best results.

Cure Ringworm

Depending on who you talk to, there are as many remedies for ringworm as there are types of ringworm infections, more actually.   Over the counter creams and ointments can provide relief for ringworm and oral products can be taken for effective treatment of severe cases of ringworm skin infections.  Do-it-yourself home remedies are also touted as just the thing to cure ringworm.

What is ringworm?  Fungal infections that are on the surface or top layer of the skin are referred to as ringworm.  These are called dermatophytes which mean “skin fungi.”  Skin fungi can only live on the dead layer of keratin protein on top of the skin. The Greeks called it Herpes meaning circular or ring form.  In Roman times the disease was believed to be associated with the larval stage of Tinea, the genus for clothes moth. The two names were eventually combined to the term “ringworm”.

Fungal infections like ringworm, while contagious are not necessarily dangerous to a person or the people around them.  It is rarely serious, but in most cases requires treatment of some kind. Most people who come down with ringworm infections are healthy.  There is sometimes a problem with infection and re-infection within families, communities, and schools.

What happens when ringworm starts to develop is a small area of infected skin tends to spread outwards. It typically develops into a circular, red, inflamed patch of skin. This infection can affect both animals and humans. The appearance of the rash may vary depending on which type of fungus causes the infection.  The fungi can travel around the body in the blood stream which enables them to spread to the warm, moist areas of the body.

Precautions can be taken to avoid ringworm type infections.  Staying away from and avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with a human infected with ringworm or contact with an animal infected with ringworm is always a good idea.  Sharing another person’s towel or bedding could cause ringworm to spread. Things like playing in the dirt, while very rare, have even been thought to cause the spread of ringworm infections.

To cure ringworm infection is a process.  Trial and error play a big part in coming up with a solution that works best for each individual.  Whichever ringworm remedy you choose to use be consistent.  Follow the directions carefully and continue the treatment for awhile even if symptoms disappear.  This will ensure that the infection is completely gone and lessens the likelihood of reoccurrence.

Get Rid Ringworm

Fungal infections like ringworm have been around for centuries and for just as long people having been searching for ways to get rid of ringworm and other ailments that plague us.  Some people are more susceptible to fungal infections than others. The tendency to get fungal skin infections or to have them return after treatment seems to run in families. These are some of the most commonly contracted minor medical conditions.  Treatments for this type of dermatophyte infection run the gamut from prescription pharmaceuticals to over the counter products like creams and powders, and even to a myriad of home remedies.  One such example of a home remedy used to get rid of ringworm is apple cider vinegar.

If you decide to try this some things you will need on hand are apple cider vinegar, band aids, clomitrazole, soap, water, and a wash cloth.   The first step is to clean the affected area with soap and water, and let it dry. Do not scratch, and make sure you are using a separate towel and do not re-use it before laundering to avoid a greater chance of the ringworm infection spreading.  Next, apply or dab the apple cider vinegar with a q-tip or cotton ball to the ringworm. Be prepared for a slight stinging sensation.  This normal and is a sign that it is killing the infection.

Apply the clomitrazole next with a different q-tip or cotton ball to the ringworm completely cover the affected area even going past the edges of the site.  Cover the ringworm completely with a band-aid or bandage if necessary.  It is recommended to follow these steps for seven to ten days.  When the ringworm is gone it will appear flat, but just to be on the safe side keep applying the clomitrazole for another week to be sure the fungus is gone

Things to remember when dealing with a ringworm infection are if you come in contact with the ringworm make sure you wash your hands to prevent spreading it. If the ringworm has not gone away after the seven to ten day period days you may choose to go to the doctor as soon as possible or try another remedy.  Be consistent with whatever home remedy you choose. There are many personal examples of persons who have treated ringworm.  Educate yourself, get as much information as you can and then choose the option to get rid of ringworm that suites you best.