Why do ringworms itch

Terbinafine Lamisil : The side effects are normally mild and do not last long. They may include diarrhea and nausea. People with a history of liver disease should not take terbinafine.

Griseofulvin Grisovin : The side effects, which usually go away fairly quickly, may include headache , indigestion , and nausea. Anti-fungal shampoos : These help prevent the spread of ringworm and may speed up recovery, but they do not cure it.

Various anti-fungal shampoos are available for purchase online. Most cases are treated with anti-fungal creams. Individuals should read instructions carefully — anti-fungal creams do not all have the same instructions. These can be purchased over-the-counter or online. If symptoms are severe, or if they cover a large area of the body and do not respond to OTC medications, the doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical medication.

The doctor may prescribe an oral medication taken by mouth. Oral medications can have some side effects, including stomach upset , rash, or abnormal liver function. Different types have different symptoms. This can involve :. Fungal infections rarely spread below the surface of the skin.

The risk of any serious illness is very small. Other ways it can spread include: Pets, especially cats and dogs—your child can actually give your pet ringworm, and vice versa. Playing in soil. What are the types of ringworm? There are five types of ringworm: Tinea barbea, which is found on the bearded area of the face in adolescent and adult males.

Tinea capitis, which is found on the scalp, usually in late childhood and teenagers. This will usually leave bald spots. Tinea corporis, which is the rash on the skin that is often but not always ring-like. It can have an active reddened border that grows. Tinea cruris, which is found in the groin area and is usually reddish-brown. Tinea manus or pedis, which is found on the hands or feet and shows up often in the spaces between the fingers and toes.

It can cause thickening, itchy, scaling, red and itchy skin. It can also be on the heels or soles of the feet. Nails can be thickened, discolored, brittle and crumbly. How is ringworm diagnosed and treated? Other ways to prevent ringworm: Encourage your child not to share clothing, towels, hair brushes and accessories, combs or other personal items with others. The soles and heels of the feet may also be affected.

In severe cases, blistering of the feet can occur. Tinea cruris, or jock itch Itchy, scaly red spots usually appear on the inner thighs. Tinea barbae Scaly, itchy red spots may be visible on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck.

The spots may become crusty or fill up with pus, and hair loss may occur. Tinea manuum Palms may have dry skin with deep cracks, and ring-shaped patches may appear on the back of the hand. Ringworm on the scalp is more common in children than adults. You can catch ringworm by: Having direct, skin-to-skin contact with affected areas of an infected person's body Touching items that have the fungi on them, such as clothing, combs, pool surfaces, and shower floors Playing with pets.

Cats and dogs, and especially kittens and puppies, are common carriers, according to the National Institutes of Health NIH.

Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian if you think it might have an infection. Try to avoid excessive sweating. Wash your hands often and well. Shower right after playing sports and keep your uniform and gear clean. Avoid infected animals, and have your pets or animals checked for ringworm. Change your clothes, including your underwear and socks, every day, and wash them before wearing them again. Wear waterproof shoes in locker rooms, public or shared showers, and pool areas.

Disinfect or throw out clothes and items that may be infected with ringworm, or that you wore while you had ringworm. Wash towels and bedding that you use while you have ringworm in hot, soapy water. American Academy of Dermatology The AAD is the largest dermatological association, with a membership of more than 20, physicians worldwide. Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that performs clinical practice, education, and research. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking.

About Ringworm. April 9, Symptoms of Ringworm Infections. December 6, Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. Talk to your doctor if you have a rash that doesn't begin to improve within two weeks of using an over-the-counter antifungal product. You may need prescription medication. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection caused by common mold-like parasites that live on the cells in the outer layer of your skin.

It can be spread in the following ways:. A fungal infection rarely spreads below the surface of the skin to cause serious illness. Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear.

Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.