Unique Facts About Ringworm
Ringworm is an infection of the outer layer of skin that can affect both humans and animals. On the skin of humans, ringworm presents as a slightly raised red rash with normal skin within the perimeter. Unique facts about ringworm suggest that the name given to this skin infection may cause some confusion.
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What Is Ringworm?
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Ringworm has nothing to do with a microscopic worm that embeds itself in the skin. On the contrary, it's caused by mold-like fungi, or dermatophytes, which reside on the skin's surface, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Ringworm Infection
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There's more than just one way to get a ringworm infection--it can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, from an animal with ringworm, from touching something an infected person or animal has recently touched or rubbed up against, or in very rare cases, from infected soil.
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Related Skin Conditions
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Ringworm on the body, or tinea corporis, is closely related to other fungal infections that can affect humans. These include athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm of the scalp.
Who's Likely To Get Ringworm
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Ringworm is a common infection, and anyone can get it; however, it's most common among children. The fungus that causes ringworm is also more likely to occur in those who sweat frequently or who suffer minor injuries to the skin, nails or scalp.
Early Treatment
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Infected persons were found to recover better without their hair, so in the 19th century various forms of epilation were employed. As late as the 1900s, infected school children in London had to go to be subjected to Xray therapy, which caused their hair to fall out. Many children and workers died as a result of radiation exposure.
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