There’s not really a worm, but….

Despite its name, ringworm has nothing at all to do with worms. Rather, it is a fungal infection that may appear on the skin, nails, hands, feet, or scalp. Not to worry, though, as MetroDerm’s dermatologists treat this and other conditions.

Contact Us

There’s not really a worm, but….

Despite its name, ringworm has nothing at all to do with worms. Rather, it is a fungal infection that may appear on the skin, nails, hands, feet, or scalp. Not to worry, though, as MetroDerm’s dermatologists treat this and other conditions.

Contact Us

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KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Ringworm Atlanta, GA

Ringworm is caused by microscopic skin fungi that live on the outer layer of the skin. You can get it from direct skin-to-skin contact with infected people or pets. It is also transmitted by sharing hats and personal hair grooming items, and through contact with locker room floors, shower stalls, seats, or clothing used by an infected person. It is more common in children 12 years of age or younger.

Ringworm Symptoms

When a ringworm infection appears on the skin, it makes circular, reddish patches with raised borders. Eventually, the patches grow larger, and the centers of the patches turn clear, giving a ring-like appearance. The symptoms on the body usually appear four to 10 days after exposure. Scalp symptoms will appear in 10-14 days. Symptoms of ringworm on other parts of the body vary, for example:

Scalp: Begins with small bumps on the head that grow larger and form a circular pattern. Hair may become brittle and break, forming scaly, hairless patches.
Hands: Affects the palms and spaces between the fingers.
Feet: Also referred to as athlete’s foot, this may cause scaling between the toes, or thickening and scaling on the heels or soles.
Nails: Causes fingernails and toenails to become yellow, thick, and crumbly.
Groin: Also referred to as jock itch, this causes a chafed, reddish, itchy, sometimes painful rash in the groin.
Body: Produces flat, scaly, round spots on the skin.
Face: Produces red, scaly patches on the face.

Treatment

Ringworm is often easily diagnosed by appearance. However, symptoms may be similar to other conditions. A sample of the affected area may be taken for testing.

Topical treatment: This type of treatment is used for ringworm of the skin or body. It includes antifungal creams and powders. It usually takes at least two weeks for the ringworm to clear. After ringworm clears, treatment is usually continued for at least two more weeks.

For ringworm involving the body, hands, or feet, non-prescription treatment is highly effective.
Some medications are more effective than others.

Oral treatment: This type of treatment is used for ringworm of the nails and scalp. Early treatment for scalp ringworm is important to prevent permanent hair loss. A culture or other test may be given to get an accurate diagnosis before beginning this kind of treatment. Prescription pills are given for:

Scalp ringworm: four to eight weeks, and occasionally longer.
Nail ringworm: four to nine months, and occasionally longer.

How to Prevent Ringworm

Avoid contact with any infected person, animal, surface, or object.
Do not share personal hair grooming items, clothing, or shoes.
Wear sandals in locker room areas.
Avoid scratching during infection. This will prevent ringworm from spreading to other areas.
Wear clothing that minimizes sweating and moisture build-up.
Wear breathable shoes or sandals.
Keep moisture-prone areas of the body clean and dry.

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

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KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by microscopic skin fungi that live on the outer layer of the skin. You can get it from direct skin-to-skin contact with infected people or pets. It is also transmitted by sharing hats and personal hair grooming items, and through contact with locker room floors, shower stalls, seats, or clothing used by an infected person. It is more common in children 12 years of age or younger.

Ringworm Symptoms

When a ringworm infection appears on the skin, it makes circular, reddish patches with raised borders. Eventually, the patches grow larger, and the centers of the patches turn clear, giving a ring-like appearance. The symptoms on the body usually appear four to 10 days after exposure. Scalp symptoms will appear in 10-14 days. Symptoms of ringworm on other parts of the body vary, for example:

Scalp: Begins with small bumps on the head that grow larger and form a circular pattern. Hair may become brittle and break, forming scaly, hairless patches.
Hands: Affects the palms and spaces between the fingers.
Feet: Also referred to as athlete’s foot, this may cause scaling between the toes, or thickening and scaling on the heels or soles.
Nails: Causes fingernails and toenails to become yellow, thick, and crumbly.
Groin: Also referred to as jock itch, this causes a chafed, reddish, itchy, sometimes painful rash in the groin.
Body: Produces flat, scaly, round spots on the skin.
Face: Produces red, scaly patches on the face.

Treatment

Ringworm is often easily diagnosed by appearance. However, symptoms may be similar to other conditions. A sample of the affected area may be taken for testing.

Topical treatment: This type of treatment is used for ringworm of the skin or body. It includes antifungal creams and powders. It usually takes at least two weeks for the ringworm to clear. After ringworm clears, treatment is usually continued for at least two more weeks.

For ringworm involving the body, hands, or feet, non-prescription treatment is highly effective.
Some medications are more effective than others.

Oral treatment: This type of treatment is used for ringworm of the nails and scalp. Early treatment for scalp ringworm is important to prevent permanent hair loss. A culture or other test may be given to get an accurate diagnosis before beginning this kind of treatment. Prescription pills are given for:

Scalp ringworm: four to eight weeks, and occasionally longer.
Nail ringworm: four to nine months, and occasionally longer.

How to Prevent Ringworm

Avoid contact with any infected person, animal, surface, or object.
Do not share personal hair grooming items, clothing, or shoes.
Wear sandals in locker room areas.
Avoid scratching during infection. This will prevent ringworm from spreading to other areas.
Wear clothing that minimizes sweating and moisture build-up.
Wear breathable shoes or sandals.
Keep moisture-prone areas of the body clean and dry.

Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

TESTIMONIALS

“Dr. Berghoff has been my doctor for years and has identified and repaired significant skin issues on several occasions that could have resulted in serious health issues. I always leave his office feeling like I know what my skin health is!”

John P.

“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Garvey for a little more than six months. She has provided me relief from a serious varicose vein issue. I couldn’t be happier or more impressed with her knowledge, skill, and bedside manner. She has my highest recommendation. Her nurse, Eulene, and office manager, Chris, are also wonderful. Thanks to Dr. Garvey and team!”

Al G.

“I have been going to Dr. Alford for several years. She is great! She is so pleasant and listens to any concerns you may have. She is thorough and professional. I always look forward to seeing her. If you’re looking for a great dermatologist, I highly recommend Dr. Alford.”

Robyn C.

“Dr. Papadopoulos did a wonderful job on my recent surgical procedure on my arm. He made me feel at ease and explained everything to me in terms that I could understand. He was precise and succinct during the surgery, and my recovery could not have gone any smoother. I highly recommend Dr. Papadopoulos for any and all skin cancer surgery.”

Martha R.

“Dr. McClure has no peer in his field. Apart from his incredible skill as a surgeon, he is also wise and compassionate, too. He knows when it’s the right thing to do nothing. I would not be alive today were it not for his treatment of my melanoma years ago. My wife and I trust him more than any other doctor whom we have ever known.”

Robert H.

“Dr. Neckman came highly recommended by my wife, and I was a little nervous on my first visit. She made me feel very comfortable and almost like a sister was looking out for her brother. She explained everything very well and took care of me with speed and compassion. Couldn’t recommend a dermatologist more.”

Tony M.

“Dr. Pearl and her staff are amazing. I can’t speak highly enough about them all.”

Christye N.

“I have always had the best of care from Dr. Niren. I’ve been going to her since 1986, and I have nothing but praise for her professionalism and the time she spends with me.”

Debbie J.

“I’ve been Dr. Kim’s patient for over 10 years and she is amazing! I recommend her to everyone and am grateful for the care and compassion she has shown me. Unfortunately, because of my skin, I see her a lot, but she makes visits and procedures as stress free as possible.”

Tara F.