How do you diagnose ring worm?

• As mentioned above, symptoms of ringworm usually involve one or more scaly pink patches, that tend to enlarge slowly.
• They’re not usually itchy or crusty.
• If there are many lesions, the diagnosis may be something else (such as psoriasis or pityriasis rosea). If lots of lesion appear quite quickly over hours or days, it’s also unlikely to be ringworm.
• Quite often, people with ringworm will have a good idea what is going on- but a doctor will be able to confirm it by having a look.

Are tests needed?

• Not usually, though if it’s not getting better with standard antifungal treatment, skin scrapings can be taken and sent to the lab to reassess the diagnosis.
• In most cases a doctor will be able to make the diagnosis simply by looking at the rash.
• Any rash that gets worse or does not respond to the usual treatment for ringworm should be reviewed by a doctor, as there may be another cause.

Treatment of ringworm

• There are several antifungal creams that are effective treatment for ringworm- though it’s important to use them regularly and for long enough to fully get rid of it.
• The length of time you need to take treatment for ringworm depends on how bad the infection is, and whereabouts on the body it’s located. Your pharmacist or GP can advise you.
• For more troublesome cases, antifungal tablets may sometimes be needed- this tends to be more of an issue for scalp infections.
• If you have pets, they should be treated appropriately- speak to your vet if you need advice.  It’s also advisable to wash your hands regularly, and avoid sharing towels or hairbrushes etc until treatment for ringworm is complete.

If you are concerned about ringworm or have queries about treatment for ringworm , speak to your GP.

Ringworm

• Ringworm or “Taenia Corporis” is not actually caused by a worm! It’s a fungal skin infection which humans and animals (commonly dogs and cats) can get.
• In humans,  ringworm tends to appear as one or more round or oval pink scaly patches anywhere on the body, which gradually develop and spread
• Sometimes the same fungus can cause redness and irritation in the skin folds, for example under the arms, neck and groin area.
• If it occurs on the scalp, it may cause a patch of hair to thin or fall out.
• Ring worm is very contagious, and spread by contact with the skin of an infected person (or animal), or something they’ve touched. Symptoms of ring worm may take a few weeks to appear following exposure.
• Ringworm usually responds well to a few weeks of regular topical antifungal cream.
• If it doesn’t respond to standard treatment, the diagnosis may not be correct and it should be discussed with a doctor.

Intertrigo

Another fungal rash, this one happens in areas of the body that get particularly sweaty or damp. It’s usually a pinkish red patch that develops along a skin fold, and it may smell unpleasant. Typical locations include under the breasts, under a fold of abdominal fat, the armpits or even under the chubby chin of a baby!  As with ringworm, the treatment is usually an antifungal cream, often in conjunction with a mild steroid cream. However, if it’s weeping, sticky or smells bad, there may also be bacterial infection present, and an antibacterial cream may be needed too. If it’s severe, it may occasionally need oral antibiotics. If in doubt, or if it seems quite severe, you should see your doctor.

Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema often appears in children as dry itchy patches of skin in the elbow creases and behind the knees, though it can occur anywhere on the body. Most cases are mild and just require regular moisturising cream (ideally twice a day), and avoidance of soaps. Sometimes steroid creams may be needed if this is not working, so speak to your doctor if the rash is not settling. If the skin is scratched, bacteria can infect the area, which may cause weeping and crusts to occur, requiring topical or oral antibiotics. Whilst some people grow out of eczema, others will have it long term- the focus needs to be maintaining well moisturised skin, and treating flare ups with steroids as needed.

If you have a rash that is not settling, speak to your GP for further advice.