How Does Ringworm Appear on the Skin?

Ringworm is typically a skin disease found in the moist and warm area of the human body. It is named as such because of its ring-shape and worm-like appearance. However, despite of its name, it is not caused by a worm but instead by specific fungi that can be found in the skin, hair and toe or fingernails feeding on its dead cells.

How does ringworm appear? Ringworm is characterized by a swelling, redness and dry scales or patches in the infected area. The fungi that live and feed in the area cause the swelling and itchiness. From a closer look, it appears as a lesions coupled with inflammation. If left untreated it may spread throughout the entire body causing a massive infected area of redness and swelling. It may appear as an island like wounds with dry scales and reddish surroundings.

Other skin diseases are commonly referred to as ringworm because of their similarity in symptoms and appearances. Although they may appear, the same causes and symptoms are different from the ringworm. Psoriasis, Eczema, Rashes and Allergies are some of them. They all share the same appearance as ring like, swelling, flakes or patches and redness. One must be careful in diagnosing skin disease because wrong treatment may worsen the skin infection. Moreover, it may develop serious type of infection. Ringworm is fungal-caused while some skin diseases are caused by bacteria or other allergic substances.

Ringworm cause is usually from fungi found in the skin itself. However, several factors further increase the risk of infection or occurrence of the disease. People with compromised immune system are likely to have them. Patients suffering HIV, diabetes, leukemia and other high blood pressure can acquire them. Pregnant woman that have irregular blood circulation may likewise acquire the disease.

Ringworm treatment can be made easily even without the aid of the doctor or an expert. The period of treatment may last for two weeks but for more severe infection, it may last for a months. If not properly treated, ringworm may reappear. To prevent reappearance, it is advisable to observe appropriate period of treatment.