There are many different types of fungal infections that can cause disease to your skin. They thrive in the dirt, plants, surfaces, and even on your skin. One of them is ringworm. Ringworm is one of the most common skin infections. If you notice symptoms of ringworm on your skin, make sure to have them checked out by the best dermatologist in East New York to prevent the spreading of the infection. Contact Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center immediately and talk to our specialists.

Ringworm is not a worm but a fungal infection that got its name because of its ring-like shaped rash with a worm-like edge. Ringworm is also called tinea corporis. Ringworm is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, you can also pick it up through sharing of personal items such as clothing and towels. Heat and humidity help the spread of the infection faster.

There are many different types of ringworm, and they are usually named for the location of the infection. Areas of the body where ringworm can infect can include:

• Your feet – tinea pedis, most commonly known as athlete’s foot
• Your groin, buttocks, or inner thighs – tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch
• Your scalp – tinea capitis
• Beard – tinea barbae
• Toenails or fingernails – tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis
• Your hands – tinea manuum
• Other parts of your body – tinea corporis

There are about 40 different types of fungi that can cause ringworm.

Symptoms

Symptoms for ringworm often depend on which part of the body is infected, but generally, its symptoms can include:

• Ring-shaped rash
• Red, scaly, and cracked skin
• Itchiness on your skin
• Hair loss
• Patches that develop into blisters or pustules
• Patches with edges that are raised
• Overlapping rings

Causes

The fungus that causes ringworm can live on your skin and other surfaces, especially in areas that are damp and moist. These fungi spread in four different ways, such as:

• Object to human – you can get the infection if you come in contact with an object that has the fungi, such as a mobile phone
• Animal to human – if you touch an animal that is infected by ringworm, such as cat or dog, they can spread the infection
• Soil to human – you can get ringworm after direct contact with soil that is carrying the fungi
• Human to human – you can get the infection if come in close contact with a person who has the infection if you share personal items such as towels and combs

Treatment

The treatment you need will depend on the location of your ringworm, and how bad the infection is. In most cases, your dermatologist can recommend an over the counter medicines, although some might need a prescription from your dermatologist. In most cases, you might need to use the medication on your skin for two to four weeks to make sure that the infection has already cleared off.

At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists that can help you take care of your skin infection and problems. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.