Ringworm can you get it twice

Treatment typically involves the direct application of an antifungal cream to the ringworm lesion. These creams are available over the counter. When applying the cream, people should cover the visible lesion and spread the cream out to 2. People should continue to use the cream for at least 7 days after the lesion has completely cleared.

According to one study , ointments or creams could take about 4 weeks to clear a ringworm infection. However, the exact duration of the infection depends on the location and severity of the lesion. A lesion that forms on an area of the body with little to no hair may resolve in 2—4 weeks with treatment. If the infection is severe or in an area with a lot of hair, it can take longer to heal. Ringworm that occurs on the scalp requires prescription medicine, such as oral antifungals.

The doctor may also prescribe a medicated shampoo. Without treatment, ringworm can disappear within a few months. However, the person is contagious to themselves and others during this time. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal skin infection. It can occur anywhere on the body but is particularly common in the groin area and on the feet.

A person can use medicated ointments and creams to treat ringworm topically. For more severe infections, a person may need to take oral antifungal medications.

Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.

This might be a cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is. You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away.

It's fine for your child to go to school or nursery once they have started treatment. Let your child's teachers know they have ringworm. Pets, such as dogs and cats, can have ringworm, and you can catch it by stroking them. Read more about the causes of ringworm. Although children are more likely to get this, people of all ages can be affected. Groin infections are more common in young men. Fungal scalp infections tinea capitis are most common in children who have not reached puberty, particularly African-Caribbean children and those who live in urban areas.

Most ringworm infections are mild and can be treated using a pharmacy antifungal cream. Scalp infections can be treated with antifungal tablets, sometimes combined with antifungal shampoo.

If the skin is irritated or broken, it can lead to other bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics. Read more about how to treat fungal infections.

It's important to prevent the infection spreading. You should avoid sharing towels, bedding or clothes with someone with a fungal infection. If you think your pet has ringworm, take it to the vet.

If your child has a fungal infection, they can go to school, but you should inform their teacher. In addition to treatment, your child should maintain a good level of personal hygiene to prevent the infection spreading. Read more about how to stop the spread of fungal infections. The ring spreads outwards as it progresses.

You can have one patch or several patches of ringworm, and in more serious cases, your skin may become raised and blistered. Ringworm on the face and neck may not appear ring-shaped, but may be itchy and swollen, and it can become dry and crusted. If you have a beard, you may notice patches of hair breaking away. Ringworm on the hand often causes the skin to become thicker on the palm and in between the fingers. It may affect one hand or both and normally only appears on one side.

In very severe cases, a large inflamed sore called a kerion may form on your scalp. This can ooze pus, and you may also have a fever and swollen lymph glands.

In more severe cases, you may have:. Exercising, walking and wearing tight clothing or underwear can make the symptoms of a groin infection worse. Read more about fungal nail infection. Read more about how fungal infections are diagnosed. Tinea fungal infections are caused by a particular type of fungi, called dermatophytes, which live off keratin. Keratin is a tough, waterproof tissue found in many parts of your body, including your skin, hair and nails.

This explains why fungal infections mostly affect your skin, scalp or nails. The fungi are tiny spores tough enough to survive for months on your skin, in soil or on household objects, such as combs or towels. They thrive in heat and moisture, which helps them to grow and explains why they are often spread in swimming pool changing rooms and communal showers.

The spores can be spread in four different ways:. As an adult, you can become a carrier of a scalp infection without developing any symptoms. This is because your body has usually developed a defence against the infection by the time you reach adulthood. Ringworm and other tinea fungal infections are usually easy to diagnose from their appearance and location.

Your GP will usually be able to diagnose a scalp infection after examining your scalp. Knowing exactly which fungus is causing the infection is useful, because some antifungal medications are better at treating certain types. Your GP will take a small scraping of skin from your scalp to test in a laboratory.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How Long Is Ringworm Contagious? Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. How it spreads Incubation period How long is it contagious? Healing time with treatment and without Treatments for faster healing Prevention Overview Ringworm tinea corporis is an infection of the skin caused by tiny fungus spores that reproduce in the dead outer layers of your skin.

Several different species of fungus can cause tinea. How ringworm spreads. What is the incubation period? How long can you pass it to someone else? Common treatments to speed up healing.