Thankfully, ringworm doesn't have anything to do with an actual worm.

Ringworm is a fungal illness that causes a rash that can often be treated quite easily with anti-fungal medicines or other home treatments. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock team provides more info on this pesky infection below!

How Can I Know If I Have Ringworm?

The most common symptom of ringworm is an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the center.

Mold-like fungi that dwell on the dead tissues of your skin, hair and nails are the most common cause of this skin infection. It can be found in any of these locations, as well as between your toes, which is known as athlete's foot. The most frequent ringworm symptoms are listed below.

Common Symptoms of Ringworm

• A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs
• Itchiness
• A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red, brown to gray
• Slightly raised, expanding rings
• A round, flat patch of itchy skin
• Overlapping rings

Is Ringworm Treatable?

Yes, it is! The most effective treatments of this fungal infection are anti-fungal medications.

Ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter topical ointments or through some oral medications, which are usually prescribed. When using an OTC topical treatment, the rash will usually heal within at least two weeks. Talk to your doctor if you have a rash that doesn't begin to improve within two weeks of using an OTC anti-fungal product, as you may need prescription medication.

Complimentary Home Remedies

• Use soap and water. When you have ringworm, you need to keep the area as clean as possible. This helps prevent the further spread of the rash and helps keep the affected area under control.
• Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has strong anti-fungal properties, so it can help treat ringworm when applied topically to the affected area. To do this, soak a cotton ball with ACV and rub it on the affected area three times per day.
• Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is just about as effective as ACV, as it also has strong anti-fungal properties. Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area two or three times per day with a cotton ball or swab.

Dealing with ringworm and aren't sure what to do about it? We can help! Don't hesitate to reach out or visit our AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock center today.