Ringworm Recognition and Prevention

Neil Weiss Athletic Trainer; Amelia High School Wellington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine

A first year wrestler recently came into my training room with that familiar small red blotch on his arm and asked the familiar questions: What is this? And how do I get rid of it?  I knew that wrestling season had begun again.  The young man had ringworm.  Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is contagious skin infection that affects all athletes and certainly is not limited to wrestling.  The important thing to know that ringworm is NOT caused by a worm but rather a fungus.  The fungus organisms belong to a group called “Dermatophytes.”  Different dermatophytes affect the different parts of the body.  You can get ringworm of the scalp, nails, body and foot.  Depending on where it is on the body, we refer to it by different names.  On the foot we call it athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis.  In the groin we say jock itch, or tinea corpis.  These are all related and caused by the same fungus.

Ringworm lives all over the world and can be found in humans, animals and soil.  It is spread by contact with the fungus.  You can get ringworm by skin to skin contact with an infected person or animal.  You may also get ringworm indirectly by making contact with an infected surface such as weight room equipment, wrestling mats, football pads, shower stalls, personal items (combs, brushes, and clothing) and community items such as telephones.

Ringworm is usually easily identifiable.  It will appear as a small red blotch that slowly expands and the center clears out to form a ring.  Sometimes, especially in earlier stages, there will be blisters that may ooze.  It usually becomes scaly and will itch.  Ringworm of the scalp looks like a small pimple that becomes larger and leaves scaly patches, which may lead to temporary baldness.  Ringworm of the foot can be identified as scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.

Ringworm symptoms will usually appear within 4 – 14 days from the exposure.  It is important to remember that ringworm is contagious even before the carrier is symptomatic.  If you suspect that you have had an exposure or have been diagnosed with ringworm, you need to begin treatment immediately.  Treatment can range from applying topical anti-fungal creams.  There are many name brands available, it’s best to check with a physician or pharmacist.  Medications containing miconazole or clotrimazole are often effective. There are also several oral medications available.  If over the counter creams don’t dry up the infection in a reasonable amount of time, see your primary care physician.  Never apply bleach or any other corrosive chemical to the skin.  I was recently asked about this method by a wrestling coach.  Remember, ringworm is a fungus.  If OTC medications don’t work, see a physician as your skin blotch may not be ringworm, but rather a more serious skin infection.  Also, try to avoid scratching the spots where ringworm has manifested itself to avoid possible bacterial skin infections.

As it’s often said in sports; the best offense is a good defense.  To limit the spread of ringworm the common sense rules need to be applied.  First, if you suspect that you have ringworm you need to ensure that it is covered up and that appropriate medications are being applied.  In advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove yourself from competition.  Secondly, wearing flip flops or another type of shower shoe will assist in slowing the spread in the locker room.  Make sure that all surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis, this includes but is certainly not limited to: showers, mats, benches, padding and other equipment.  It is important to make sure you shower after activity and have a dry, clean change of clothes to wear after practice or competition.  Washing all of your athletic attire on a regular basis is also very important.  Wash your bed linens and night time clothes daily during the time you have an active infestation.  Never share towels, combs/brushes, soap or other toiletries.  This fungus loves warm, moist environments.   Keeping everything as dry as possible will also assist in the prevention of ringworm.

Those of us in the active community will certainly always be susceptible to ringworm, however with some common sense and good hygiene practices, our risks and infestations will be minimal and recovery will be quick.

Go to www.wellingtonortho.com to find an office close to you.