Posts Tagged ‘ringworms’

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Contagious

Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, contagious rashes can all be contracted if you come into direct contact with someone who is infected.  Touching contaminated items can also spread the infection. Direct skin contact also raises the chances of Ringworm or other contagious skin infections. Humans are far more likely to contract Athlete’s Foot or Ringworm from places like a school, playground, gym, or shower facilities. Tinea corporis in medical terms, but Ringworm to most people, is the name used for minor skin afflictions of the trunk, legs or arms of a dermatophyte fungus. Dermatophytes are a group of related fungi that infect and live on the top layer of the epidermis.  Ringworm in the feet is a skin infection is called Athlete’s Foot and caused by this fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or feet.

The term Ringworm refers to round or oval red scaly patches that appear on the skin.  They are often seen to be less red and scaly in the middle or can even look healed at the center.  It is typical for one ring to develop inside another preexisting ring. Acute Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot infections show up as itchy inflamed red patches that may be pustular.  Chronic Ringworm is more likely to be found in sweaty body folds.  Severe cases of Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, contagious rashes and the like all have a tendency to be hard to treat and have a likely-hood of recurrence.  There are non-fungal conditions that look a lot like Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot and other contagious rashes.  They include impetigo, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Discoid eczema, Lichen simplex, Contact allergic dermatitis and Pityriasis rosea.

Athlete’s Foot symptoms may appear suddenly and then spread rapidly.  In chronic cases there is a slow growing area of a relatively mild, minimally inflamed, rash.  It will more than likely affect exposed areas and it is not uncommon that it could also spread from other infected areas.  Athlete’s Foot is most often treated with antifungal drugs topically applied. Topical therapy is adequate in most patients with Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot or other contagious rashes.   It is normal for creams containing anti-fungal agents to work by hindering the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol. This is a necessary part of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is completely or partially blocked, an intact cell membrane can no longer be produced. This effectively kills the fungus. Keeping feet clean and dry, not sharing socks or contaminated articles and wearing shower shoes goes a long way to keeping Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot contagious as it is from spreading.

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.

Roseola – Causes and Information

Roseola is a mild viral illness of sudden onset and short duration that most commonly affects young children. Roseola is most common in children 6 to 24 months of age. The average age is around 9 months. Less frequently, older children, teens, and adults may be infected.

Roseola was once called the sixth disease because it was the sixth disease young children typically developed and it lasted about six days. There is usually a rash associated with Roseola, but you will not see it at the onset. When the fever disappears, then the rash appears. The rash is mainly located on the neck and body, especially, the abdomen, trunk, and back, but it can also be on the arms and legs.

The rash appears as separate little raised dots (papules) or as a flat or macular rash. The skin is mildly red in color and temporarily blanches with pressure. The rash is not itchy or painful. It is not contagious. The rash lasts two to four days and does not return.

This illness is spread from person to person, most likely by transfer of oral secretions. Roseola is not very contagious. The incubation period between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms is nine to ten days. Roseola is primarily caused by a virus called human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and less commonly by human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7).  The viruses belong to the family of herpes viruses, but they do not cause the cold sores or genital infections that herpes simplex viruses can cause.

Roseola often begins with a sudden high fever usually 103 F to 105 F. The fever may last two to three days, although it can last as long as 8 days. The rapid increase in temperature may be the first sign of Roseola and often occurs before you realize that your child has a fever. The fever ends as suddenly as it occurs.

After the fever ends, a rosy pink rash may appear mostly on the trunk or torso, neck, and arms. The rash is not itchy and may last one to two days. In rare cases, a sore throat, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

A child with Roseola may appear fussy or irritable and may have a decreased appetite, but most children behave almost normally. If you wish to treat the fever, acetaminophen products like Tylenol and others can be used to lower a fever. Aspirin should never be used for fever in children or adolescents.

Baby Heat Rash

As suggested by the name, baby heat rash is triggered in some babies when they become overheated, either because they are overdressed or because it is just too hot outside. As they become hot and sweat, their sweat ducts become blocked and rupture.

Prickly heat, which is also known as miliaria rubra, is the most common type of heat rash. In this form of heat rash, the sweat duct becomes red and inflamed.  They look like small bumps with a red halo around them. These may cause a ‘prickling’ or stinging sensation. This type of heat rash may also cause mild itching. Usually found in areas under a child’s clothing, these bumps can be found grouped together inside the folds of the child’s skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Infants who wear a hat may also get a heat rash on their forehead and scalp.

Just like prickly heat, Miliaria crystallina is a type of heat rash that occurs when the sweat ducts become blocked and rupture. These sweat ducts are closer to the skin surface though and don’t get inflamed, leading to the classic appearance of small clear vesicles on the child’s skin, without any redness or other symptoms, typically on their neck, head, or upper chest. Try to prevent any scratching of the affected areas as this could lead to a secondary infection.

Most methods of preventing heat rash start with the goal of not allowing your child to get overheated and include things like dressing your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn’t get overheated. Another key factor is avoiding excessive heat and humidity when possible. Occlusive ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products on a child’s skin, which can also block the sweat ducts should also be avoided.

Although heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment, which can be as simple as removing the child from the environment that triggers the rash.  These include alternatives such as dressing in less clothing.  Moving the child inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment also goes a long way to easing their discomfort.  Mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren’t needed can be used for treatment if necessary. Calamine lotion is another remedy often used on itchy baby heat rashes.  Another option to try is compresses with cool water.  In the event a secondary infection does occur, antibiotics will probably be needed to treat it.

Baby Rashes

Certain medications, viral illnesses and allergic reactions can cause an acne-like rash in babies. Many other conditions common in infants, such as eczema, erythema toxicum, and heat rash, can resemble baby acne.  Baby acne develops during the weeks after birth. This is thought to be most likely due to hormones that passed from mother to infant during the last stage of pregnancy.  Baby acne can be aggravated by milk, formula, or spit-up coming in contact with the skin. Other irritants include rough fabrics or fabrics laundered in strong detergent. If your baby has acne, don’t use soap, lotion or creams on the face because these can also be irritations.

Newborns are prone to baby rashes.  Most baby rashes cause no harm and go away in time on their own. Some examples of baby rashes that are commonly found in newborns are as follows:

•           Pink pimples (“neonatal acne”) are often caused by exposure in the womb to maternal hormones. No treatment is needed, just time. They can last for weeks or even months on baby’s skin.

•           Erythema toxicum is another common newborn rash that looks like mosquito bites or hives. Its cause is unknown, and it resolves without treatment after a few days or weeks.

•           Dry, peeling skin is often due to a baby being born a little late. The underlying skin is perfectly normal, soft, and moist.

•           Little white bumps on the nose and face (“milia”) are caused by blocked oil glands. When baby’s oil glands enlarge and open up in a few days or weeks, the white bumps disappear.

•          Salmon patches (called a “stork bite” at the back of the neck or an “angel’s kiss” between the eyes) are simple nests of blood vessels that fade on their own after a few weeks or months. Occasionally stork bites never go away.

•           Jaundice is a yellow coloration to your baby’s skin and eyes. It is caused by an excess of bilirubin which is a breakdown product of red blood cells.

•           Mongolian spots are very common in any part of the body of dark-skinned babies. They are flat, gray-blue in color and they look a lot like a bruise. They can be small or large. The spots are caused by some pigment that didn’t make it to the top layer when baby’s skin was being formed. They are harmless and usually fade away by school age.

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.

Antifungal Creams Ringworm

Dermatophyte infections can greatly affect quality of life, but rarely do they pose serious or life threatening problems.  With the use of an antifungal fungal creams ringworm, which is a dermatophyte infection, can be healed. Treating the fungal infection may be a long drawn out procedure, as different types of ringworm infections need different treatments.  Even with proper treatment instances of reoccurrence are not unheard of.  Discontinuing the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Be sure to use the products exactly as directed and to keep the skin area dry and clean.

Tinea Corporis or Ringworm, the more common term used for a superficial dermatophyte infection characterized by either itchy inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions on the skin.  Another typical factor found in most antifungal creams is that it contains a second active ingredient to reduce the itching. Ringworm infections can be avoided by keeping the skin clean and dry, changing socks and underwear each day.  Other measures include not sharing clothing or towels and wearing some type of shower shoe or sandal when in public showers or locker rooms.

While there are numerous home remedies for ringworm, antifungal creams are readily available over the counter and easy to use to treat all types of ringworm infections.  Be sure to use the products exactly as directed and to keep the skin area dry and clean. You should always follow the directions given for the specific antifungal cream you choose. Whether or not your condition is not improving within a few days of use, you should continue to use the antifungal product for the length of time recommended before trying something else. If it is obvious that a condition is not improving, a simple solution may be a variation of strength of the active ingredient. Another option is try a different antifungal ingredient. There are different strengths available and they will also have recommendations for length of use.

If you use an antifungal cream to treat ringworm, you should first wash the infected area with soap and water.  Next remove flaky skin and dry thoroughly. If there are large areas of blistered sores, use compresses to soothe and dry out the blisters. Completely cover the site with antifungal cream beyond the edge or border of the fungal infection.  The directions on the package should be followed carefully. Treatment will probably need to be continued for at least two to four weeks.

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.