The rash is typically from 1-4 cm in size, and a person can have one or a couple of these rashes at the same time. At the outer edge of the rash there may be a slight elevation with flaking that is redder than the center of the rash. The shape of the rash can be round, oval or have a more irregular shape. It itches. Treatment with cortisone cream can make it worse. Ringworm is most common in children and adolescents. Time from infection to rash (incubation period) is considered to be 1-3 weeks.
The cause is infection with a skin fungus, a so-called dermatophyte. This is something different from yeast (candida) which is more common in the mucous membranes of the abdomen. Dermatophytes can appear on the feet, between the toes, in the groin, on the scalp and on the nails. The fungus is probably found everywhere, and you will not usually find a source of infection. The fungus can be transmitted from humans, from animals and rarely from soil (especially in tropical regions). The fungus lives entirely superficially in the skin and will not cause disease inside the body. A safe diagnosis can be made if a sample is sent to the laboratory from the doctor's office.
Cream treatment with fungicide, or anti-fungal tablets is possible. If it is a fungal infection that covers larger parts of the skin, tablet treatment is more appropriate. Nail fungus and scalp fungus are usually treated with tablets.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
