How to Diagnose Ringworm
Ringworm isn't actually a worm, but a fungal infection called tinea that infects the skin. It is contagious and spreads from one unwashed hand (that previously scratched the ringworm) to another. The fungus is common in children but can appear in adults. It is curable with over-the-counter drugs. You must first properly diagnose ringworm, however, before you can cure it.
Instructions
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Look closely at pimples on places other than the face. Ringworms first present as a pimple-like skin irritation. If you have one and are not prone to body acne, read on.
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Expect discharge. The pimple will blister and then ooze with discharge that will be clear or white. After it evolves from a pimple, true ringworm will be a rounded patch of skin. Either the affected area will flake with dead skin or it will take on a scalelike appearance. It will itch at this stage.
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Watch for inflammation. The area will swell, become tender to touch and red in appearance. Meanwhile the itching will intensify. You must not scratch, as this is how the fungal infection is spread.
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Prepare for hair loss. Ringworm in the beard, on the scalp or anywhere else on the body that contains hair will eradicate it. Bald spots with a ringed, raised patch in place of the hair are characteristic of ringworm.
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Check your nails. Scratching the ringworm can cause growth under the nails. Look for nails that are thicker than usual, but brittle. They may also turn yellow in color.
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Treat at home or see your family doctor. The pharmacist can direct you to an over-the-counter medication used for ringworm treatment. If you decide to see a doctor, he or she will diagnose your ringworm visually before testing further. The doctor can then prescribe a more powerful drug to cure the fungus.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow four weeks for successful treatment of your ringworm. Keep scratching to a minimum. Otherwise, wash your hands after scratching.
Wash your hands after touching and examining your suspected ringworm. Cover it with loose-fitting gauze if going out in public to prevent infection of another person. If the suspected ringworm does not respond to over-the-counter treatment, go see a doctor. It may be something other than ringworm. The infection may also be resistant to the topical treatments. In that case, a prescription pill treatment is needed.
