How to identify ringworm

Author: Virginia Floyd
Date Of Creation: 10 August 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
Is it ringworm? Signs and symptoms
Video: Is it ringworm? Signs and symptoms

Content

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. These fungal microorganisms grow on dead skin layers, nails and hair. They are called ringworm because they leave the characteristic rounded blisters and scaly skin on the affected area. Anyone can get this skin infection. Ringworm is easy to treat, especially if it was seen in the early stages of the disease. Go to the first paragraph of the article to find out the symptoms of ringworm. If you are looking for lichen treatment methods, click here.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Identifying scalp lichen

  1. 1 Beware of scaly skin. Lichen can form small patches of scaly skin on the scalp. These islets can itch and be irritated.These symptoms should be carefully investigated by a dermatologist, as they may belong to a different type of infection and not be a shingle, such as dandruff.
  2. 2 Beware of hair loss. Ringworm hair loss begins in small areas, usually no larger than a coin. As the disease progresses, areas of hair loss grow. When areas grow, this is a cause for alarm, as this indicates a worsening of the condition.
  3. 3 Watch out for small, red sores on your scalp. As ringworm progresses, small sores with pus may appear on the scalp. The skin will also crust over, it will look like a very dry patch of skin that will flake off.
  4. 4 Watch closely for other manifestations of the infection. Along with itchy skin, you may experience high fever and swollen lymph nodes. When the body learns about the presence of an infection, it tries to burn it off with heat. The lymph nodes become swollen as they try to pump the infection out of the bloodstream.

Method 2 of 3: Identifying lichen on the body or feet

  1. 1 Look around for red blisters. If you have ringworm on your body, you will see ring-shaped blisters around the affected area. In more difficult cases, these blisters can grow in size and grow together. These blisters are slightly raised above the level of the skin and can itch a lot. Purulent ulcers may also appear.
  2. 2 Look around for lichen groin. Inguinal lichen, also known as Jock Itch (groin eczema), often occurs on the inner thighs and buttocks. Examine yourself and look for brown sores, which may not only be ring-shaped. They may also contain pus.
  3. 3 Beware of large red and itchy areas. Not only will the ringworm infection site be irritated. The entire area around the lichen can also itch and acquire a reddish tint.
    • If you have groin eczema, check the inner thighs and buttocks for redness. Lichen usually does not affect the genitals.
  4. 4 Look for itchy toes. In the case of foot shingles, Athlete's Foot, itching also occurs between the toes. They will usually look flushed and have flaky skin. You will also experience itching from which you cannot get rid of. As the lichen progresses, you will experience a burning sensation where the lichen formed.
    • Also examine your feet and the sides of your feet for redness and flaking of the skin. If your shingles have progressed this much, you need to see your doctor.
  5. 5 Check for other signs of worsening infection. When the leg lichen condition becomes very bad, your skin on your legs will look like cracked. Ulcers and abscesses can also form. If these symptoms have not yet appeared, see your doctor.

Method 3 of 3: Identifying Risk Factors

Anyone can get shingles, but there are factors that increase your risk of contracting ringworm.


  1. 1 Be aware that age is also a factor that influences who can get shingles and who cannot. Those who are very young (newborns, infants, preschool and school age children) and very old people (those over 50) are generally at greater risk of getting ringworm.
  2. 2 Take note of immune-weakening diseases. You are more at risk of getting shingles if you suffer from diseases that reduce the body's immunity, such as HIV / AIDS or other terminal diseases like cancer.
  3. 3 Lose weight to reduce your risk of shingles. People who are obese or overweight are at greater risk of getting ringworm. This possibility is increased if you have type 1 diabetes, as the condition contributes to difficult-to-heal wounds.Remember that lichen develops in the form of ring-shaped blisters; when you have a condition such as diabetes, you can have serious complications from shingles if it is not treated immediately.
  4. 4 Please note your accommodation conditions. People who live in humid and crowded places are more at risk of getting shingles. The fungus that causes shingles grows best in moist areas.
    • Those who live in poor conditions are more susceptible to this skin condition.
  5. 5 Contact play can also lead to ringworm disease. Just like people living in damp, enclosed spaces, people who play contact games are also at risk of getting shingles. As mentioned above, lichen grows well in wet conditions, such as in sports equipment. The sports that are known for the problem of depriving it are boxing and hand-to-hand combat.
  6. 6 Be careful if you live with an infected person or animal. A type of fungus that lives on animals is called microsporum canis. An infected animal will also infect the owner. If you restrict the living of the animal, only in a clean area of ​​the house, you can prevent the ingress and development of fungus on their fur.
  7. 7 Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tight and tight clothing promotes poor air circulation. In the case of jock itch and athlete's foot, it is very important to keep the affected area dry and ventilated, the use of comfortable clothing and frequent replacement of socks and underwear can speed up the healing process of blisters.

Tips

  • If you participate in contact sports, shower after play and learn how to disinfect your sports equipment (clothing, socks, and shoes) using bleach or warm water.
  • It is also good practice to disinfect bedding. To do this, you can use chlorine or another disinfectant from the store.

Warnings

  • If you suspect that your pet has become infected, contact your veterinarian immediately and treat the animal immediately.
  • If you have these symptoms, see your doctor right away.