Rolling Out: How nail fungus can wreak havoc on your hand health Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects fingernails and toenails. While it may seem like a minor cosmetic concern, nail fungus can significantly impact hand health ... Ringworm has nothing to do with worms, despite its misleading name that has confused people for generations.

Understanding the Context

This common fungal infection affects millions of people worldwide, creating characteristic ... MSN: Simple Home Remedies to Prevent Ringworm and Keep Your Skin Healthy Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that spreads easily and often looks like a thin red circle on the skin. Despite the name, there are no worms involved. The condition comes from dermatophyte ...

Key Insights

Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. 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. For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What might be causing the signs and symptoms?

Final Thoughts

Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What is the best treatment? Is this condition temporary or chronic? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own? Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious infection.

It's most common in toddlers and school-age children. Tinea capitis is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). Medication taken by mouth can kill the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp. Medicated shampoos may help keep a person from spreading the infection to others.