- 1 Stop Ringworm from Spreading By Following These Steps
- 2 1: Treat the Infection as Soon as you Notice it
- 3 2: Take/apply Anti-fungal Medications as Prescribed on the Label of the Drug
- 4 3: Visit a Doctor
- 5 4: Do not Avoid Oral Antifungal Doses
- 6 5: Avoid Wet, Humid Conditions
- 7 6: Avoid Wearing Sportswear
- 8 7: Do not Share Infected Items with People
- 9 8: Keep your Toenails and Fingernails Trimmed
- 10 9: Keep the Infected Child at Home
- 11 10: Get a Vet to take care of your Pet with Ringworm
Stop Ringworm from Spreading By Following These Steps
Ringworm is skin infections caused by fungi. These infections are easily spread from one person to another, so it’s hard to heal. It is critical to educate patients, including small children, about ringworm infections. Informing children, in particular, can help stop ringworm infections and prevent it from spreading to other healthy children and family members around. Good habits of washing hands, not allowing sharing of personal and other preventive measures can help stop the spread of these communicable skin diseases.
Here are several ways to stop ringworm infections and prevent their spread.
1: Treat the Infection as Soon as you Notice it
Typical symptoms of ringworm include broken hairs, raised circular red scaly patches on the skin, itching, swelling, etc. In areas of the scalp and beard, there may be desquamation, dry skin, and bent or broken hair shafts. Many antifungal medications and shampoos are available for stopping ringworm infections. Typical counter antifungal medications are available as creams, shampoos, lotions, sprays, lotions and powders.
2: Take/apply Anti-fungal Medications as Prescribed on the Label of the Drug
Topical antifungal medications should be rubbed on ringworm infected area three times daily for 4-6 weeks. To Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp tinea, use shampoos to wash the hair, at least, three times a week. Do not forget to wash your hair bands, clips, brooches, hair extensions accessories and other washable using the antifungal shampoo.
3: Visit a Doctor
If no observed effect on the infection despite the counter medications, it is likely that you have developed immunity to them. Therefore, to visit a doctor who can checks on the exact dermatophytes causing the ringworm and prescribes a superior oral antifungal. Medications must be taken as prescribed and for at least 4-5 weeks.
4: Do not Avoid Oral Antifungal Doses
The infection may appear to improve, but the entire dose of oral medications must be taken, however. Failure to do so can cause the infection to return. It is the most vital step to stop ringworm.
5: Avoid Wet, Humid Conditions
In the case of ringworm of the groin, toenails, and feet, avoid wearing sweaty wet shoes, underwear or socks for extended periods of time. Also, avoid walking barefoot on floors located near the pools, locker rooms, public restrooms, etc. wetlands as these are more likely to spread ringworm infections.
6: Avoid Wearing Sportswear
Tinea pedis / athlete’s foot and ringworm Jock (or ringworm of the groin) can be prevented by avoiding fitting sportswear, shoes and sweaty gym clothes. Wash all second-hand clothes in hot water with little bleach when possible. It can help to kill fungal spores and prevent recurring infection.
These include infected combs, towels, brushes, and other personal belongings. It is vital to teach children how the infection spread. Concentrate on healthy habits such as washing your hands carefully with soap and water.
8: Keep your Toenails and Fingernails Trimmed
Shorten and cut the nails as this makes it easier to stop the spread of ringworm. Make use of antifungal nail varnish/lotion to curb the ringworm of the nail and toe.
9: Keep the Infected Child at Home
For ringworm infections in children, it is best to keep the child at home for a couple of days. Once treatment begins, the child can go to school/daycare. The rash may be covered with a bandage cloth. Prohibit the child to use a public swimming pool until the infection clears.
10: Get a Vet to take care of your Pet with Ringworm
For ringworm in pets, make sure that a veterinarian has checked them as soon as possible. Pets can spread ringworm to humans, so make sure that children are taught not to touch infected animals and wash your hands if contact occurs.