What Causes Recurring Ringworm?
The one thing more annoying than getting ringworm is being infected again after curing it. It can take up to 4 weeks to get rid of ringworm depending on the severity of the infection and the treatment and having to go through that process over and over again can be extremely frustrating. Here are some tips for stopping and preventing recurring ringworm in children and adults.
How Do You Get Ringworm?
There are several causes of ringworm which often contribute to its reappearance:
- Person-to-Person Transfer: Ringworm is highly contagious and you can catch it by touching an affected person. Adults are more likely to get it from infected children
- Object-to-Person Transfer: Ringworm can live on skin cells which may transfer to objects like combs, clothing, and even photos. Touching objects used by a contagious person is another way of acquiring the infection.
- Animal-to-Human Transfer: Ringworm is one disease that is easily passed between humans and animals; Cats are the primary source of animal-to-human transfer of ringworm
- Soil-to-Human Transfer: In rare cases, ringworm can live in soil and transfer onto a person.
- Multiple Infections: Ringworm often spreads to different parts of the body no matter where the infection first appears. This is usually due to poor hygiene.
What Does Ringworm Look Like?
If you look at pictures of ringworm that appears on the body, you will notice that it develops as a red raised rash. It may form in the shape of a ring with healthy skin in the center. However, this is not always the case. The edges of the rash may develop small bumps or blisters and it will itch.
You can also get ringworm on your hands, feet, and nails. Ringworm symptoms in humans are different when the infection occurs in these areas. The fungi cause the skin to thicken on the palms of the hands and between the fingers. Similar symptoms develop on the feet, but the skin may also peel and the feet may become odorous. Nails infected with ringworm will discolor and warp.