Ringworm, Acne & Skin Care

In a word, anyone can get ringworm.  Children a definitely more susceptible to certain types of ringworm than others.  A specific example of this would be scalp ringworm. Of the other numerous types of ringworm it is evident that they can occur equally in all age groups.

Ringworm that occurs on the body is usually a flat, red, and roundish lesion. The surrounding edge may prove to be dry and scaly or alternatively, moist and crusty.
At first the center is not immediately evident, but as the lesion begins to expand, the center portion often clears to a normal appearance.

Ringworm of the scalp typically erupts as a tiny pimple and begins to expand over time. As the expansion occurs, the scalp is left with scaly patches.  The hairs surrounding the infected area become brittle and break off.  Often the infected host is left with patches of baldness as a result.  Also in some circumstances, the lesions will raise, become moist and continuously drain.

When the extremities of the appendages such as finger nails or toe nails become infected, the nails thicken and become discolored and brittle.  Alternatively, they may become chalky and disintegrate over time.

The transmission of ringworm can occur simply by indirect contact with objects such as hairbrushes, combs, barbers’ clippers, articles of clothing which has become contaminated and from locker room fixtures such as benches and shower stalls. Equally important to note and probably even more obvious, the transmission of the infection can occur from direct contact with infected people, pets, and livestock.

As a precaution (and simply because it is considerate and sensible), an infected person should not share towels, brushes, hats, clothing or anything else the can easily transmit the infection.  Of utmost importance is to avoid any physical contact whatsoever when active lesions are present on exposed parts of the body.  Activities involving physical contact should be avoided.  Towels, bed linens, clothing and other garments used by infected individuals should be thoroughly and completely laundered.

As parent or guardian, you should minimize your childs close contact with other children until the infection has been effectively treated or erradicated. If a scalp infection exists, it is advisable (if not absolutely necessary) to cover the hair with a head cover. Under no circumstance should combs, brushes, rollers or any other grooming tools be shared. After use of hair covers and grooming tools, precaution should be taken to thoroughly sterilize the articles by boiling them in hot water.

Ringworm remedies and ringworm mixtures have been proven to be deadly effective in the erradication of ringworm.