What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by superficial fungi on the skin. These fungi are called dermatophytes. Ringworm is not caused by being dirty or reflect on you in any way. It is not a worm, but a fungal infection. It is contagious disorder that is characterized by "rings" of scaling and redness that itches. Ringworm may occur on any part of the body from head to toe. For unknown reasons, some individuals may be more susceptible to ringworm than others. There are other skin conditions that can appear similar to ringworm, and a dermatologist may help with this evaluation and differentiation. The skin lesions that appear with ringworm are variable, and do not necessarily form a ring. Ringworm may also cause hair loss to the effected area. Once treated the hair will slowly grow back. Ringworm can be transferred from animals to humans very easily and vice versa. If you or your animals have ringworm, you may be passing it to each other. Both animal and human must be treated at the same time in order to eliminate the fugal infection.

For pet-safe ringworm treatment products, click here.

Ringworm can affect skin on your body. When this occurs, it is called tinea corporis. Ringworm of the scalp is called tinea capitis. Ringworm of the groin and underarm area is called tinea cruris, also called jock itch, and Ringworm affecting the feet is called tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot. Often, there may be several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.

What are the Causes of Ringworm?

Ringworm is a common skin disorder, especially among children, but it may affect people of all ages. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is caused by a fungus, not a worm.

Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple which becomes larger in size and leaves scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Occasionally, yellowish cuplike crusty areas are seen.

Many bacteria and fungi live on your body. Some of these are useful to you and your body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails.

Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person or animal to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, bedding, and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus. Cats and dogs and other animals are common carriers.

The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Ringworm is more likely when you have frequent wetness (such as from sweating) and minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails. Ringworm is a highly infectious fungus. As a result, you may want to throw away any combs, brushes or hats your child has used.

The spores of ringworm fungus are found primarily in the soil and around people or animals who have the disease.

Ringworm spores can stay dormant for 6-12 months or may reactivate when they come into contact with the human skin. This is why all clothing, bedding, and other materials that come into contact with the dermatophyte fungus must also be washed and treated with an anti-fungal agent.

Reinfection is the number one problem when treating ringworm. Symptoms appear to go away and they return again in several weeks. This is why any treatment method should continue for at least 7 days after it appears the infection is gone. Also it is key to treat your environment for the fungal spores as they can stay dormant for many months after leaving the main fungal colony.

If you or your children develop ringworm, you're not alone. Up to 15 percent of children world-wide under the age of 10 will develop ringworm. It doesn't reflect on your parenting skills or the cleanliness of your home.

• Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze.
• The patches often have sharply-defined edges.
• They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. This may create the appearance of a ring.
• Your skin may also appear unusually dark or light.
• When your scalp or beard is infected, you will have bald patches.
• Often, there may be several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.
• If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and un-even.

What Types of Ringworm Exist?

• about 58% of the dermatophyte species isolated are Trichophyton rubrum
• 27% are T. mentagrophytes
• 7% are T. verrucosum
• 3% are T. tonsurans

Dermisil for Ringworm kills all forms of ringworm dermatophyte fungi.

Our 100% Natural Dermisil for Ringworm Products

Your healing time will be much quicker if you use our products in combination.

• Our Dermisil for Ringworm liquid heals the fungal infection from the outside and penetrates the skin to work internally as well.
• Our Dermisil for Ringworm Anti-Fungal Soap helps speed healing of fungal infections and aids the use of the topical treatment product.
• Our Dermisil Candida Clear is specially formulated to help your body fight fungal infections at a systemic level.
• Our Dermisil Immune Renew helps boost your immune system overall.

With our triple strike combination, Ringworm doesn't stand a chance!