Even though it is an infection that affects animals like cats and dogs, ringworm is a problem that might affect humans too. Statistics tell us that 1 out of 5 people are developing ringworms. Even so there is no need to worry because many kinds of treatments are available. These treatments are able to stop the funguses from reproducing and should also put an end to the irritating rashes.



Ringworm causes small lesions or irritations all over the body. At their first appearance ringworm sores are small zits. These are round and itchy. After a period of treatment, when they begin to heal the middle of the expanded zit appears to clear up and a red border will remain visible. That is why the ringworm name is given to this infection. Even if it is not treated the fungus responsible for the infection will not affect other parts of the body. Even so treatment is necessary in order do definitively get rid of the ringworm.

Ringworm represents an infection caused by the dermatophytes fungus. This fungus develops especially in areas that are hot and moist and do not receive much light. In these areas the fungus feeds off of keratin. The proper areas for this fungus are the hair, the nails and the feet, but can easily occur in any other part of the body.

There are four types of ringworms: scalp ringworm, body ringworm, feet ringworm and nail ringworm.

Being a contagious infection, ringworm can be easily spread through direct or indirect contact and even through contact with soil. Ringworm can be spread between humans and animals in the same time. There is a risk for each one of us to catch ringworms, but more vulnerable are people that suffer from eczema. There is another possibility to develop ringworms. People might also be genetically predisposed to ringworms. In their cases the chances for complications are really high. Repetitive infections with ringworms might also be possible. After an infection immunity is not guaranteed to future infections.

Symptoms are similar in humans and animals. Symptoms may vary because of the places where ringworms develop. For body ringworm the zits cause burns and itchiness.

Scalp ringworm may lead temporary baldness in the infected areas because the hair is getting brittle.

An unusual but effective way to notice if someone develops ringworm is ultraviolet light. The itching area should be exposed to the light and if it glows it is almost sure that it is ringworm.

Treatments are available for all four types of ringworms. Treatments are different because scalp and nail ringworm need oral medication.

Beside medication natural remedies are believed to fight against ringworm. One of the natural remedies is a well balanced diet containing especially vegetables. When already infected you should use tea tree oil on the affected area. Other natural remedies believed to be helpful include the use of Echinacea, goldenseal, balsam of Peru and burdock root. These herbs need to be prescribed by a specialist.