The Difference Between Ringworm and Roundworm

They have very similar names, but ringworm and roundworm are very different from each other. However, they are both conditions that commonly affect children, and your pets can carry both. By knowing the difference you will be able to treat your child or family member appropriately.

What Causes Ringworm and Roundworm?

Roundworm is an infection caused by a tiny parasite that lives in the intestinal tract of domestic animals like cats and dogs. Ascariasis (the medical name for roundworm) is particularly common when your pets are young as the parasites are passed to the kittens and puppies before birth, or while the mothers are nursing them. They can also become infected with roundworm if they eat the worm eggs in another animal’s stool.

Your child can also ingest these eggs if they kiss the animals or touch them and don’t wash their hands, but they can also pick them up in parks or play areas that dogs and cats frequent. Roundworm is not common in the US, so if you have travelled to a warm, foreign country and your child becomes infected, it is likely this is where they picked it up.
Ringworm, on the other hand, is not caused by a worm at all. A person or child becomes infected by a fungus when they come into contact with another person or pet that is infected with it.

Tinea Corporis can affect the skin of all parts of the body, including the scalp. It flourishes in warm conditions so is also often picked up in locker rooms or swimming areas, or on foreign trips.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms?

Usually you will not be aware that your child has roundworm, and the roundworms can live inside the small intestine for up to two years. You may notice the eggs or worms when you are changing your baby’s diaper or assisting your older child with toileting, as female roundworms lay thousands of eggs every day and they leave the body through the stools. The worms can also exit the body through the mouth or nose. Other things that may raise alarm bells include a loss of appetite, a fever, coughing, wheezing, if your child complains of stomach pains, or has suffered sudden weight loss.
Ringworm is easy to spot as it causes round, red, scaly patches on the face, body or scalp. They can be single lesions or occur in groups. They can become very itchy, crusty and even start to ooze.

How Are They Diagnosed?

Your doctor will request a stool sample to see if there are eggs present after a bowel movement to diagnose roundworm. For ringworm, simply looking at the lesion is enough to diagnose the condition, but a skin scraping can also be done to confirm it.

Are They Dangerous?

Roundworm rarely causes harm to the host, but sometimes the larvae of the parasites can cause damage to body tissue or nerves when they move through the body. If they lodge in the eye they could even cause blindness.
Ringworm causes no short- or long-term harm, but it can cause a lot of discomfort and will recur frequently if not treated properly. The lesions can become infected.

How Are They Treated?

It is very easy to treat roundworm. You can get a medication from your pharmacist that will kill the worms in about three days. In very severe and rare cases surgery is needed to remove the worms if they obstruct the bowel. Ringworm is easily treated with an appropriate anti-fungal cream. Homeopathic treatments and natural home remedies such iodine or neem oil are also effective.

The Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm

When you discover a mark or rash on your body, it could be caused by a number of things. Dryness and eczema are common causes, but sometimes it could be that you are infected with ringworm. If you have established that it is not caused by an injury, dry skin or an allergy, then one of the possible causes is a fungus. Research shows that up to 7% of children in elementary schools are infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, so it is more common than you think. In fact, it is highly contagious.

Body ringworm (officially called tinea corporis) can appear on the body, but also the face. As the name indicates, it is characterized by a ring-like rash. The following indicators or symptoms could help you determine if your rash is caused by this particular fungus:

If you live in a warm climate or exercise regularly. Tinea corporis is more common in hot, humid areas as the fungus thrives in these conditions. Locker rooms or indoor swimming pools also provide the ideal climate for this fungus to flourish.
The lesion is circular, red and has elevated edges. It forms rapidly into the signature round shape, but the center may be clear. The lesions can become scaly, crusty or form fluid-filled areas that ooze. You will get small, bald patches forming if it affects your scalp.
The size can range from small up to 2 inches across and can occur alone or in groups of up to four lesions.
The rash is very itchy. When clothes rub against the rash it can irritate it, while sweating or humid air can also make the itching and infection worse.
The affected patches are on your trunk, legs, arms, neck and face.
If you have been exposed to children and cats, which are both common hosts, you are at higher risk of being infected with ringworm. If you have been in contact with an infected person, pet or surface, the ringworm lesion is likely to appear 4 to 10 days after the exposure.

Because the rings spread out as they progress they can merge together, which can confuse the diagnosis. When ringworm appears on the face and neck the signature rings may also not be apparent, and instead the skin may be itchy, swollen and dry. It can also be difficult to diagnose ringworm when it affects the hands too. When the skin becomes thicker on the palm and between the fingers, this could indicate a ringworm infection.
If you have any of these risk factors or symptoms, and are concerned you may be infected with ringworm, it is recommended you consult a medical practitioner for a formal diagnosis. This could include a skin scraping. A positive result will indicate to your doctor that you need a specific anti-fungal treatment, as this condition will not clear on its own.

Homeopathic Treatments for Ringworm in Children

If you have noticed circular scaly patches on the skin of your child’s body or scalp, it could indicate that they are infected with ringworm. While the name may lead you to think they are hosting a form of parasite, ringworm (or tinea corporis as it is known) is actually a fungus. A medical practitioner would diagnose this by taking a skin scraping of the affected site, and then would likely prescribe an anti-fungal cream. There are also a number of natural and home-based remedies that can be used to treat ringworm, including iodine and neem oil.
This may be very affective for some, but if you find your child is suffering recurring infections of ringworm, you could find a long-term solution by exploring how homeopathy can benefit him. Of course you should also rule out all factors that could be reinfecting your child. These include washing bedding on a high temperature and checking none of your pets are infected with ringworm. Also inform your child’s school so that other children can be checked for ringworm infections because it is so contagious.

Homeopathy and Fungal Infections

While it is termed an alternative medical treatment, homeopathy is different from herbal or Chinese medicine. It is also considered a holistic medicine. This means it treats the whole person, not just the physical symptoms of the disease or infection. It works by stimulating your body’s ability to heal by using minute amounts of natural substances.
If you are rundown or your immune system is compromised you are more prone to a ringworm infection, which is why this holistic approach to treatment is considered very effective. By working with a homoeopathist, you will be able to treat the ringworm by addressing the factors that are making you more susceptible to it. Homeopathic treatment for ringworm in children is safe.

If they are too small to take the tiny pills, or are resistant to it, your homeopathist may be able to put together a treatment plan in a topical form. It is advisable to check with your medical practitioner before you proceed with any treatment that is offered to you.

What Treatments Will Work

There are a wide range of homeopathic medicines that are suitable for rebalancing your body to heal a fungal infection. Your homoeopathist will need to look at the location of the lesions, what it feels like (is it itchy or sore?) and the severity. Based on these factors you or your child will be given an individualized remedy.
Because homeopathy works on the philosophy of treating “like with like” some of the treatments may be derived from materials that taken in large doses can call illness. As homeopathy uses such tiny doses, it will stimulate your body’s defenses, promoting healing rather than harm.
The homeopathy pellets you may be prescribed to treat ringworm include:

Bacillinum

Sepia

Calcaria Carb

Sulphur

Apis Mel

Tellurium

Merc Sol

Rhus Tox

Lachesis

Graphite

Get Rid Of Ringworm Of The Scalp

It’s called ringworm by everyone you know, but tinea capitis, the medical term that’s used to describe those concerning scaly patches on the head that can appear out of the blue, has nothing to do with worms. Surprisingly, it’s actually caused by the same fungal infection that causes athlete’s foot. This highly contagious condition leads to itchy, bald patches on the head. While it can affect anyone with an immune system that has been compromised (if you are ill, run down, or suffer from a chronic condition), it is mostly young children that suffer from it.

How To Spot Ringworm

One of the most visible signs that someone has ringworm is when temporary bald patches form on the head. A parent may notice this when washing or drying the child’s hair.

Hair loss happens because when the fungus gets into the hair fibers it causes the hair to weaken. The exposed patches of skin can then form scaly, inflamed areas or puss-filled blisters. If the scalp becomes painful or very itchy it could indicate that it is infected.

How It Is Spread

You can contract ringworm if your skin, or in this case your scalp, comes into contact with the fungus on another person, or even a pet.

What To Do To Prevent Infection

Some of the environments you come into contact with daily could pose a risk of infection. If you are traveling on public transport, by spraying the headrests on seats with a sterilizer you will help prevent the fungus infecting you. When you visit your barber or hair stylist, ask if the equipment they use is adequately cleaned. Similarly, avoid sharing or borrowing hats and hair tools like brushes and combs, and be aware that bedding materials can also be sources of infection.
Because ringworm thrives in warm, humid conditions, it’s also crucial to keep your scalp clean and dry if you think you may be at risk. Avoid leaving your hair to dry on its own after washing it; use a hairdryer or towel dry as much as possible. Even heavy sweating can create a fungus-friendly environment.

Take care to remove excessive moisture continually if this is something you suffer from.
Remember, ringworm is highly contagious, so avoid passing it on to others in your household (including your pets) or you will continually be exposed to it and become infected again.

How To Treat Ringworm

Anti-fungal Shampoos

There are a number of products available on the market that will effectively treat ringworm of the scalp. Look on the back of the bottles or containers to check if they contain the recommended ingredients. Hair shampoo with selenium sulfide or ketoconazole will offer relief by removing the fungus from the scalp if used at least twice daily. Although family members may not be visibly infected, they will need to use the antifungal shampoo too to prevent recurring fungal infections in your environment. Hair combs and brushes used on infected hair to remove the fungal spores should be thrown out.

Vinegar

Thanks to its acidic nature, vinegar (apple cider or white) is effective in treating the fungal infection. It can be used by applying cotton wool soaked in vinegar to the patches on the scalp. Apply generous amounts 2 to 3 times a day for as long as the infection lasts.

Neem Oil

Extracted from the fruit and seeds of the Indian tree, neem oil is renowned for its numerous medical properties. While it can be used for fighting viruses, bacteria, easing pain and reducing inflammation, it is also a well-known anti-fungal. These factors make it ideal to treat the discomfort associated with ringworm and help eliminate the fungal infection. Use products that contain 100% neem oil, applying to affected areas, or take it in capsule form to support the healing process.

Garlic

Rubbing fresh, sliced garlic on infected areas, or taking it in supplement form, are other options as garlic also has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial powers. You can also make your own garlic paste by mincing it. Place this on the areas infected with ringworm for 30 minutes daily until it clears.

While these scalp ringworm treatments will all offer you relief, the most crucial part of treatment is to ensure you continually use them until the fungus is entirely eliminated.

Stopping the Spread of Ringworm

Ringworm is not caused by an actual worm. Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes people to have a circular or ring shaped patch of scaly skin on their body. Ringworm is very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Although avoiding ringworm is very difficult, it is possible to prevent the spread of the infection.

Preventing ringworm may require that people stop sharing personal items such as clothes, pillows and towel as well as cosmetic items such as make-up, hairbrushes or combs. These things can all carry ringworm from an infected to person to an uninfected person and sharing these personal items should be avoided especially if a confirmed case of ringworm has been diagnosed.

Personal hygiene is another important step in preventing ringworm. Keep both hair and skin clean as well as dry can remove the fungus that causes ringworm. Ringworm flourishes in areas that are dark and moist and it is therefore important to keep areas such as under near the arms or between the toes both clean and dry. Wearing light and breathable fabrics and shoes can help prevent a build up of moisture and prevent any existing infection from getting worse.

It is important to keep personal items clean as well. Washing clothes, bedding, and towels thoroughly and often is good for personal hygiene but it becomes imperative if someone in the home becomes infected with ringworm. Washing these items as well as hairbrushes, shoes and make-up brushes can help remove the fungus that causes ringworm from these items which should help prevent the transmission of the disease. Because fungus likes moisture, it is essential that things be dried properly after they are washed.

Keeping the home clean is another important step to preventing ringworm. Keeping bathrooms, counter tops and floors both clean and dry can help in the prevention of ringworm.

If a case of ringworm has been diagnosed in the house, cleaning public areas with an anti-fungal cleaner or with bleach can be a good way to disinfect the area and prevent the disease from spreading to other members of the household. If children are in the house, their toys, books and playthings should also be kept clean and dry and should be disinfected to stop disease from spreading.

If someone in the home has been infected with ringworm, try to avoid touching the skin around the are which has been infected with ringworm. Animals and pets may contract ringworm as well as pass it to humans so it is best to avoid petting them while they are infected as well. If contact must be made, it is best to both wash and dry the hands thoroughly as well as any part of the body that may have come into contact with an infected person or pet. If young children have contracted ringworm, keeping them home from school or nurseries and out of contact with other children can prevent the fungus from running rampant through a school or day care center.

Treating ringworm when it is diagnosed is essential to prevent the spread from one person to another. There are several options for treatment including over the counter medications which include drugs such as tolnaftate, clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine. Some over the counter medications are also available as a prescription from a doctor or health care professional. Serious cases of ringworm may require a prescription of anti-fungal medicine.

If using an over the counter medicine does not clear up the ringworm infection after a few weeks, contact a doctor.

The best ways to avoid contracting ringworm are to wear sandals or shoes to avoid any fungus living on the floors of locker rooms or swimming pools. Wearing fabrics like cotton that are not synthetics will help keep the skin dry and are good for preventing the spread of ringworm.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Cure Ringworm?

Ringworm is not caused by worms but by a fungus. This fungus can cause circular or ring-shaped patches on the skin which are both itchy and red. Ringworm is very contagious and can spread easily between humans as well as between pets and humans, especially from cats. Ringworm enjoys dark and moist areas and often occur in parts of the body like the feet or the groin. Using apple cider vinegar to treat ringworm has been helpful for some people when used as a topical application.

Apple cider vinegar is used as a natural treatment for many different things and it is especially effective in the treatment of fungi like ringworm because of its anti-fungal properties. By topically applying apple cider vinegar to the infected area using cotton in either a ball or swab form, people can reduce and even eliminate the ringworm infection. This treatment must be used a few times per day in order for it to be effective.

Apple cider vinegar may relieve a lot of the irritation associated with ringworm or fungal infections although the application can cause a brief stinging. This stinging does not last long. The apple cider vinegar may work to kill the ringworm fungus and as it works the skin infection will grow less severe and in some cases completely disappear.

There are several benefits to using apple cider vinegar as a treatment method for ringworm and other fungi. Apple cider vinegar is a safe and natural treatment that doesn’t contain any of the chemicals that many of the creams and powders available from pharmacies do. People often feel more comfortable using an all-natural treatment on their pets or children because it is non-toxic and contact with it is not dangerous. However, some instances of ringworm may be severe and these may not be able to be cured with apple cider vinegar alone. If an infection persists for several weeks, consulting a doctor and the use of a prescription strength anti-fungal may be necessary to treat serious infections. Many mild fungal infections can be treated in the home with apple cider vinegar.

Although apple cider vinegar is safe and non-toxic, it is very acidic and should still be kept out of reach of children. The acid may results in skin burns in some people and so it is best to only use a small amount during the first dose and to make sure to observe the skin carefully during the first days of use. Put a small dose of apple cider vinegar on an area that is not infected with ringworm before beginning the treatment on infection areas. Determining a sensitivity to apple cider vinegar is important to prevent any further discomfort or any potential burns.

Medical doctors or homeopaths like Dr. Christina Starkman can provide advice for those who are hoping to find a suitable home treatment for fungal infections like ringworm, such as a apple cider vinegar. Dr. Starkman says that the use home remedies may only be effective for infections that cause one or two areas of discomfort.

Dr. Starkman suggests that soaking a towel in apple cider vinegar and applying it to the affected are for two 30 minute sessions per day can take care of ringworm infections in three to four weeks, though Dr. Starkman insists that any serious infections should be treated by a doctor.

Can Pets Carry Ringworm?

Ringworm is not caused by worms but by different types of fungi. Humans can get ringworm from other humans, animals and infected soil. In animals, the affected areas are often marked by a circle or ring shaped patch on the skin. It is also common to find patches of hair or fur loss in infected areas. Many humans contract ringworm from their pets however there are several species of animals that can pass ringworm on to both humans and their pets.

Ringworm can be a very persistent fungal infection to cure and most treatments include the use of an anti-fungal medication. These medications may be natural remedies or prescription remedies obtained from a health care specialist.

The biggest transmitters of ringworm to humans are dogs and cats who are kept in the home as pets. Animals that have recently been adopted from shelters or other group living environments often come with mild infections like ringworm. Because there are several animals in a small environment in shelters and homes, the fungus that causes ringworm infections is very common and hard to remove entirely from that environment.

This is especially true with younger animals who are still developing a strong enough immune system to block out these infections. In cats, ringworm presents itself with scaly skin or areas that are missing fur or are bare.

Horses are another animal that are known for transmitting ringworm to humans. Ringworm presents itself in horses similarly to how it presents itself in cats and dogs. In horses, ringworm usually presents itself on small patches of scaly skin and often results in hair loss in the affected areas. Similarly to cats and dogs, younger horses carry a higher risk for infection and transmission than older horses do but older horses can carry ringworm as well. If an owner finds that their horse has been infected by ringworm, it is suggested that the infected horse should be isolated and that the infected area on the horse be treated using some sort of equine fungicide.

Sheep were never considered to be major carriers of ringworm until the early 1990s when several studies proved that this was not the case and that sheep can contract ringworm. When sheep are shorn in a manner that is very close to their skin, they lose their protective wool barrier. Sheep who are without this wool barrier see an increase in ringworm infections and transmissions as opposed to sheep who keep their wool.

Many other common farm animals can contract and spread ringworm between themselves and humans. Goats, pigs, and cattle may all be infected with ringworm and can pass it on to the other animals in their environment. Animals that are infected with ringworm are usually prevented from being entered in exhibitions because of the likelihood of the transmission of the disease between animals and people.

Almost any animal can pass ringworm on to humans. In rural areas that are dependent on agriculture, nearly 80 percent of people who contracted ringworm picked it up from animals. Many animals like birds, rodents, rabbits, or ferrets can also contract ringworm and pass it on to humans. Even primates who are living in laboratories may be infected with ringworm and pass it on to other primates and humans either through the infected environment or through direct contact.

Top Home Remedies

Top Home Remedies For Ringworm

The name ringworm can be misleading because the cause of ringworm is not a worm but a fungus called tinea corporis. This fungal infection is similar to other fungal infections such as jock itch or athlete’s foot. Ringworm is very common in young children, especially in children who aged between two and ten. This is because ringworm can be transmitted between children, adults and pets. Ringworm is highly contagious and it can be spread even before the symptoms of the fungal infection begin to appear in the body. It can take several weeks to heal the infection and the Mayo Clinic suggests that unless the symptoms improve dramatically within a few weeks, it may take the use of a prescription anti-fungal medication to remove ringworm from the body. If someone who suffers from ringworm sees an increase in symptoms as well as serious swelling or fever, they should consult their doctor immediately.

Having a strong immune system can prevent fungal infections like ringworm. Dr. Geovanni Espinosa, a naturopathy expert who has written the book ‘1000 Cures for 200 Ailments’ suggests that eating a healthy and balanced diet can both improve the immune system and reduce the amount of fungi in the body. Dr. Espinosa says that eating a diet full of eggs, vegetables, chicken, yogurt, nuts, raw garlic and oils can work as a natural treatment for fungal infections. Raw garlic in particular is known for its anti-fungal properties that work both inside the body and out. Dr. Espinosa also suggests that limiting sugar is a good idea because sugar feeds the fungus and helps it develop. Avoiding sugary foods and especially foods that contain different types yeast and fungus in them already can help relieve fungal infections naturally.

Dr. Espinosa also talks about the supplements available on the market that will not only boost the immune system but also combat existing infections in the body. She suggests that taking a supplement with Caprylic acid in it will improve immune function. Caprylic acid in particular has anti-fungal functions and taking 1,000 mg of the supplement three times a day can improve existing fungal infections and prevent against new ones. A probiotic supplement can also support the body and immune system by helping the body to absorb the nutrients needed to prevent yeast and fungus overgrowth which can cause infections. Dr. Espinosa also suggests taking vitamin C as well as a multivitamin to support over all immune system health.

In his book ‘Healing without Medication’, Dr. Robert Rister suggests that herbs may be very effective in preventing and healing fungal infections. Dr. Rister suggests that tea treat oil is one of the most effective treatments for infections and is as effect as an over the counter treatment. To use tea tree oil as a treatment for ringworm, Dr. Rister says that a cream containing anywhere from 8% to 20% tea tree oil should be applied to the infected area from two or three times per day. He also suggests that increasing the amount of garlic in the diet as well as applying garlic topically can help heal ringworm infections. For those who do not enjoy garlic, there is a gel available on the market that contains the anti-fungal ingredient found in garlic and it is effective as a topical treatment with ringworm. It has also been suggested that taking an echinacea supplement may also work alongside a topical cream to relieve the suffering of ringworm.

How To Eradicate Ringworm

A ringworm infection is not the result of a parasite, despite its misleading name. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection and the name is reflection of the appearance of the infection on the skin. Ringworm manifests itself by appearing in a circle or ring shaped mark on the skin that is often red and looks as though it is a flaky or scaly. The effected area may be raised or flat on the skin and can provide irritation to those who are infected with it. In many cases, the fungus that causes the infection known as ringworm can be removed with an over the counter anti-fungal medicine. This medicine may be taken either orally or applied as a topical treatment to the affected area.

Topical drugs may be purchased over the counter or as a prescription from a health care professional. These medicines can come in a variety of materials like ointments, creams, lotions or even powders. The active ingredients in many of these medications include miconazole, naftifine, terbinafine, butenafine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole or the drug tolnaftate. These drugs are the most effective when it comes to treating ringworm and a reputable or effective medication should contain one of these. Terbinafine is often listed as one of the most effective anti-fungal medicines for ringworm infections in particular. There are relatively few side effects that come along with these topical medications however it is important to use the medication as directed. If these over the counter topical medications do not clear up the infection, a doctor or health care physician may prescribe an anti-fungal medication is that is stronger than what is available over the counter.

Anti-fungal medications are also available as oral medications. These may be tried if the topical medications did not work to entirely eradicate the entire infection caused by ringworm. Many oral medications contain the same or similar active ingredients as the topical medications though they may vary in the level of concentration. Oral medication is particularly useful for treating ringworm when it has effected the scalp, toes or fingers. Oral medications may have more possible side effects than the topical treatments and some of the most common side effects might include rashes, upset stomach or abnormal liver functions.

Ringworm can take up to a month to treat even if the drugs are used exactly according to directions. If a ringworm infection lasts longer than a month, a doctor should be consulted because a stronger anti-fungal medication may be required to eradicate the infection. Medications that contain the active ingredient terbinafine may be more effective than other medications and the Langone Medical Center has reported that this active ingredient can remove a ringworm infection in a period as short as one week.

If the case of ringworm is very persistent, additional treatment options may be required to eradicate ringworm. It is important to prevent ringworm from spreading whether that is from one infected area to another or between people. For this reason, it is important to wash and dry pajamas and bed linens everyday as long as the infection exists because the fungus can live in linens and continue to infect those who touch them. Keeping the body clean and dry is another important element in preventing the spread of the infection.

Preventing ringworm is not always possible but certain steps can be taken to prevent the likelihood of contracting ringworm again. Try to minimize direct contact with animals or people who are infected with ringworm and do not share personal items such as towels, linens, or grooming supplies with them. To prevent fungal infections like jock itch or athlete’s foot, it is important to wear fabrics that do not trap moisture and to wear shoes that allow air to pass through. It is also important to wear shoes in public areas, especially in locker rooms or showers because these are prime places to contract fungal infections from the environment.

Did I Get Ringworm at the Gym?

The itchy, red round patches known as ringworm are not actually the product of a parasitic worm despite its name. Ringworm is the product of a fungus which is known as tinea. This fungus is highly infectious and spreads easily especially in in conditions where there may be a build up of moisture. Gyms are one of the most likely places to catch a strain of the tinea fungus because they are full of equipment that can be covered in moisture. Mats, balls and floors provide comfortable homes for different types of tinea fungi because they attract moisture and are constantly being touched. If ringworm has been contracted it does require treatment, usually with a type of anti-fungal topical medication. The prevention of ringworm in a gym environment can be difficult but if gym-goers follow several basic steps they can usually avoid the unnecessary irritation caused by the tinea fungus.

It is important to change your clothes each time you go to the gym. It is important to wash and thoroughly dry both gym clothes and bathing suits after every use. Washing your gym bag and your shoes periodically can prove to be important as well. The fungus that causes ringworm enjoys damp and dark conditions like the depths of gym bags or lockers. Ringworm is highly communicable and leaving clothes on an infected floor can lead them to becoming infected with fungus.

It is also important to shower after every work out and depending on your susceptibility to fungus, using a quality anti-fungal soap may be required as well. When walking in the locker room or the showers, it is still important to wear sandals or shoes to protect the feet from picking up any tinea fungus hiding on the floor. Shampooing the hair can also be an important part of this process, particularly if you went swimming.

Using your own equipment can provide an important advantage in protecting you from ringworm infections. Using your own towel, yoga mat and your own toiletries will prevent you from having to share with anyone who is already infected with ringworm. It is also important to clean your things regularly- washing your towel after every use as well as spraying any mats or equipment your brought with you. A tea tree oil anti-fungal spray can make for a useful deterrent in keeping fungus of your mat.

Wiping any communal equipment in the gym is an important step in preventing any communicable disease in the gym. Using disinfectant wipes or sprays on the equipment can help prevent the build up of fungus on the machine and also prevent it from spreading around the gym. Remember to wash the equipment used in contact sports is very important especially equipment like helmets, gloves and eye wear.

Finally, avoiding direct contact with other gym goers may be beneficial, especially if one or both of you are sweaty after a hard work out. Make sure everyone is showered or clean before going in for a high five or a hug after the gym.

It is important to remember that ringworm is not visible right away and that someone can be contagious before they show any symptoms of ringworm. Symptoms can take anywhere from four days up to ten days to appear so take preventative measures to ensure you don’t unwittingly spread ringworm to other members of your gym. If you or someone you know has an impaired immune system, take extra precautions because the risk of contracting ringworm might be higher than others.

Another important tip is to reconsider the way plastic bags are used. Reusing plastic bags can allow a lot of bacteria to grow in them and cause them to become contaminated. It is important to clean even the reusable bags along with the clothes or towels they may contain.