Humans Get Ringworm Too
Ringworm is one of the most irritating things you can have on your body. If you have never had ringworm infection, you will not understand what I am talking about. But if you have, then you must know the pain and the shame that comes with it.
Human beings can get ringworm too. It is not just an issue of animals. But before you start asking yourself how human beings get it, it is good to know what kind of creatures these ringworm are.
Ringworm is actually a type of fungus. It is not a worm, as the name would suggest. The “ring” on the name comes from the ring-like shape that it leaves on the skin of the infected person or animal. The ring on the skin is raised above the rest of the skin around it. In case the ringworm infect your scalp, It can easily cause hair loss on the affected part.
So, how are you infected?
People don’t get ringworm because they are dirty. Well, unhygienic conditions can support the spread of ringworm but they are not the cause. You get infected by ringworm once you come in contact with someone or animal that has been infected by ringworm. It is important to note that when it comes to getting in contact with an infected person or animal, it does not have to be direct.
If you come in contact with the cloths, bedding, or comb that someone with ringworm had been using, then you are actually increasing your chances of getting the ringworm. If this happens, you will see rashes on you skin around ten days after the initial contact.
So how do they spread?
If you have ever seen someone who has been infected with ringworm, you will know that it spreads quite fast.
And who causes them to spread so fast?
You!
Obviously, you don’t do this intentionally. What happens is that since the rashes are usually itchy, you will be tempted to scratch the affected area. If you do this and then touch another area that is not infected, your guess is as good as mine is. The uninfected area will become infected.
Another way that ringworm will get to spread throughout the body is through your personal items such as combs and clothing.
Now that you know you have ringworm, what should be your next step?
The first thing you need to do is to declare an all out war against ringworm. Use antifungal cream to heal the affected areas and prevent infection of new ones. Sometimes, the fungi could have reached your scalp. If this happens, cut your hair so that you can treat the whole scalp.
To ensure that the rashes do not spread to other parts of the body, you also need to have very good hygiene. You need to take a shower daily and then wash your cloths and beddings. Also, avoid touching the parts that are itching, as this can easily make you to spread them.
Of course, this article will not tell you all that you need to know about ringworm. That is the subject of a whole book.
