Not that I like to think about it often or even at-all, but I only just found out that ringworm isn’t actually a worm or, in fact, anything to do with worms whatsoever. Am I a bit of an eejit? Maybe.
However, I was surprised to learn that ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch are all basically the same thing — just different forms of fungi that interact with our bodies and impact our health. Very lovely stuff.
In a TikTok video, NHS GP Dr Karan Rajan shared the true facts of what ringworm is and how we can prevent catching it.
So, what actually is ringworm?
Dr Rajan explained that if you wake one day with a red, itchy bump on your body after working out in “salty human body juice”, you have likely found yourself with a case of ringworm.
He explained: “Ringworm is actually nothing to do with worms and is actually caused by a variety of different fungi that are very treatable and pretty preventable with basic hygiene measures.”
He said that this is highly contagious through either direct contact with an infected area on someone else’s skin or direct contact with a contaminated surface.
In quite the grim twist, this fungi has an incubation period, meaning you might not see symptoms for several days or even weeks after you’ve been infected.
Dr Rajan added: “In fact, someone you infect may show symptoms before you do.”
Additionally, not all ringworm infections look the same. The doctor shared images of a range of ringworm infections that ranged from one he dubbed “the flying saucer” to “the head hickey.”
Lovely.
How to stop ringworm spreading
The NHS recommends that if you think you have ringworm, first speak to a pharmacist for over the counter treatment and if it doesn’t improve, book an appointment with a GP.
To stop it spreading further you should:
start treatment as soon as possible
wash towels and bedsheets regularly
keep your skin clean and wash your hands after touching animals or soil
regularly check your skin if you have been in contact with an infected person or animal
take your pet to the vet if they might have ringworm – for example, if they have patches of missing fur