Sometimes scaly skin can be an indication you have dandruff, not ringworm. If you start to notice this symptom, get your scalp examined by a dermatologist to determine if you have a ringworm infection.
Your hair may break off, leaving stubble that looks like small black dots. The bald patches may be scaly and swollen.
If you have oozing and tender sores on your scalp, you should get them treated right away as they can cause permanent scarring and hair loss. If you have a kerion, you may also develop a fever and swollen lymph nodes. Your body will try to fight the ringworm by raising the temperature of your body, leading to a fever. Your lymph nodes will also swell as they try to get the infection out of your blood. [7] X Research source
If you have ringworm on your face and neck, you may have itchy, swollen skin that becomes dry and crusty; however, these symptoms may not appear in a ring shape. If you develop beard ringworm, you may notice chunks of hair are missing from your beard. You can take steps to hide ringworm in these highly visible areas. Hand ringworm can cause the skin of your palms and your fingers to appear thicker or raised. It may affect one hand or both hands, and your hands may appear normal on one side and thicker or raised on the other side. In more severe cases, the red blisters on your body can spread, grow in size and merge. These blisters will be slightly raised when touched and very itchy. Pus filled sores may also start to develop around the rings.
You may also have large patches of red or itchy skin in your inner thigh and buttocks areas. However, ringworm will generally not affect the genital area.
You should also check the soles and sides of your feet for flakiness that resembles scales. If your ringworm has progressed this far, you should seek immediate medical care. You can also get ringworm in your nails, also known as a fungal nail infection. Your nails may turn black, white, yellow, or green, they may turn brittle and fall off, or the skin around your nails may become sore. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
There are many over-the-counter products targeted towards ringworm.
As soon as you are done with your workout, you should change out of your gym clothes so you are not wearing sweaty clothing that can allow fungi to thrive and grow. You should also never share your towel when you workout and wash all clothing and towels after every use. If you swim at a public pool, you should practice good locker room and pool hygiene. Always wear shoes in the showers and shower before and after you go into the water. Make sure you dry off completely after showering.
Avoid touching your pet if she has ringworm and wear gloves around her. You should also wash your hands before and after touching any animal in the event they are carrying a fungal infection.
