Ringworm Symptoms

Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms: it is a fungal skin infection that is often red, circular in shape and can be itchy and scaly-looking. It is contagious and can be easily caught and passed on. Ringworm can occur anywhere on your body, including legs, arms or torso. 

Symptoms of ringworm: 

• Scaly, itchy and red rash, often circular in shape
• Sometimes with a raised edge
• Peeling or cracking of the skin
• Sometimes small, raised bumps
• Sometimes accompanied by a slight burning sensation

Ringworm is easily spread by skin-to-skin contact or by coming into contact with infected surfaces, such as gym equipment and mats or contaminated towels, clothing or bed linen.

Ringworm Treatment 

Treat ringworm as soon as it appears to help stop the spread.

Ensure that the skin is completely dry before applying NU CALMAR Absolute Soothing Cream:

• Apply at least 30-60 minutes after you have had a shower or bath
• Continue applying for several days after ringworm disappears to ensure the fungal spores are dead and the skin condition effectively treated
• Always read the label and use only as directed
• If symptoms persist‚ see your doctor. 

To avoid spreading to other parts of the body:

• Never dip your fingers or spoon / spatula in the jar if they have already touched any part of a fungal skin infection (or they are otherwise dirty)
• Wash your hands and spoon / spatula again thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to subsequent applications.

Ringworm Prevention 

Simple things you can do to help prevent Ringworm:

• Never share towels or clothes with other people
• If you use communal gym or other equipment (such as weights, mats or seats), make sure your skin is covered so that it does not touch the surface. If you can, wipe down the surface thoroughly before using or sitting
• As you can catch ringworm from pets, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after patting your dog or cat
• Avoid going barefoot in communal areas and wear thongs / flip flops in gym locker rooms and showers and public areas of swimming pools
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before touching areas affected by ringworm and before applying NU CALMAR Absolute Soothing Cream
• Change your towels after each wash

If you suffer from recurring ringworm:

• Machine wash your laundry in hot (not cold) water, and add half to one cup of white vinegar to the wash
• If the ringworm consistently recurs on one part of your body, boil the clothing that you wear on that part of the body for 10 minutes after it has been through a hot machine wash; or alternatively, dispose of that clothing

Keep in mind that fungal spores thrive in a moist and warm environment and can stay embedded in clothes, towels and bed linen. If ringworm recurs, machine wash clothes, towels and bed linen in hot (not cold) water and add half to one cup of white vinegar, and dry these items thoroughly before using.

*Disclaimer: None of the above information in any way constitutes, or is a substitute for, medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Ringworm FAQ 

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a contagious, fungal skin infection that is often red, circular in shape and can be itchy and scaly-looking, sometimes with a raised edge. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with worms.

How did I get ringworm?

There are a number of ways you could have caught ringworm. A common way is when your skin comes into contact with an infected surface such as a gym mat or equipment, shared equipment at work, contaminated towels, bed linens or other infected surfaces. Ringworm can occur anywhere on your body, including legs, arms or torso.

How do I stop getting ringworm?

Please see the ringworm prevention section above for tips on how to avoid ringworm.

Remember that scratching, rubbing or touching areas affected by ringworm can spread the infection to other areas of the body. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after touching any infected areas.

Can I get ringworm from my pet?

Yes. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after patting or handling a dog or cat.