Avoid touching infected areas of your skin. This can spread the ringworm infection to other areas.
Ringworm
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection affecting the top layers of your skin. It is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that infect the uppermost layers of the skin and are responsible for many similar fungal skin infections. Ringworm is contagious and can be passed on through close contact with an infected person or infected objects such as bedsheets, combs or towels. It can occur anywhere on the body e.g. the torso, arms, legs and head.
Ringworm symptoms
What causes ringworm
Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes which infect the uppermost layers of the skin. It is contagious, and you can catch it through close contact with an infected person or contaminated objects like bedsheets, combs and towels. The fungi responsible for ringworm can easily enter the top layer of your skin if it becomes soft and wet from prolonged water exposure, or if you have minor injuries or abrasions.
Who is at risk of getting ringworm?
You are more at risk of catching ringworm if you use changing rooms, public showers or swimming pools, as the fungi responsible thrive in moist and warm environments. You can also catch ringworm if you share hairbrushes or clothes with an infected person.
Ringworm treatment
Canesten ringworm treatment
Canesten offers effective anti-fungal ringworm treatments which effectively treat your fungal infection. They are easy to apply and penetrate your skin to stop fungal growth, destroy the fungi and relieve your ringworm symptoms such as irritated and itchy skin. The treatments are available from your local pharmacy and supermarket pharmacies.
- Canesten® Cream - This soothing Canesten cream contains the active anti-fungal ingredient clotrimazole which effectively treats your ring worm infection and relieves your symptoms.
- Canesten® Dermatological Spray - This convenient spray is ideal for hard to reach areas that may be infected with ringworm. Like the cream, it contains the active anti-fungal ingredient clotrimazole, to treat your ringworm infection and provide relief from your symptoms.
Remember! It is important to complete the whole course of treatment for effective ringworm treatment, even if your symptoms go away and it looks like the infection is clearing up.
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How to prevent ringworm
Keep your skin clean and dry.
Avoid using other people’s clothes, towels and brushes. Don’t share your belongings with other people if you have a ringworm infection.
Ringworm can affect animals, too! Get your pets checked for ringworm by a vet, especially if you notice missing patches of fur. Stay away from animals infected with ringworm.
Facts about ringworm
You don’t need to feel alarmed: despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms!
Ringworm is a fungal infection and can be treated with an anti-fungal medication to get rid of the infection.
Ringworm is contagious and can be passed on through close contact with an infected person or infected objects such as bedsheets, combs or towels.
