Ringworm stages vary in manifestation. The skin infection found on the scalp would look different than the one on the arm. With ringworm of the scalp, it is common to see some hair loss. The stages of the condition and how it appears depends on which part of the skin it is. Wherever it may be, once you have it, it is best to seek immediate treatment.
Knowing how to identify the symptoms of ringworm especially at its earliest stage is important so that the infection doesn’t get any worse.
- The first sign of ringworm is a minor burning sensation and itching. Often, this is not immediately recognized as a symptom of ringworm because a slight itch is nothing unusual.
- After experiencing itch and burning sensation, inflammation comes next in ringworm stages. The infected part would appear reddish and sometimes flaky. This is more common in athlete’s foot. The skin around the toes becomes noticeably flaky that peels off on its own.
- The inflamed area would develop a circular rash that appears slightly raised. When this happens, you can be sure that it is ringworm. Other infected areas would show small bumps that are exceedingly itchy.
When ringworm develops, it is not advisable to scratch the area no matter how itchy it gets. Scratching could make matters worse and could possibly spread the infection to other areas of the skin. After contact with the fungus that causes ringworm, scalp ringworm develops in 10 to 14 days while it takes about 4 to 10 days for ringworm of the skin or the body.
Understanding Ringworm Stages
What would seem like the usual pimples could be the start of an infection. It would become very itchy at first but the center would soon clear, spreading outward to form a ring. Its outer edges would be forming a kind of crust that is yellowish in color.
As mentioned above, if the infection is on the scalp, the hair on the spot would become brittle then breaks and would result to a temporary hair loss. The hair grows back once the ringworm is completely cured.
As for athlete’s foot, the flaking and its subsequent peeling off can be mistaken for a simple case of dry skin. However, you’ll know what it truly is because as part of the ringworm stages for this type, the skin will unavoidably thicken. It is quite disturbing and uncomfortable.
Ringworm of the fingernails manifests itself by making the nails swell. Then they turn brittle and yellow.
Ringworm spares no one; anybody can get it. It is annoying, uncomfortable at times and can cause you sleepless nights if left untreated. Another alarming fact about it is that it is very contagious. Do not share personal items like towels, linens, any clothing and avoid contact with anyone who has it.
Chances of Recurring
Treating ringworm quickly and as soon as it happens is the most effective way to get rid of it. Ordinary infection normally clears up within 12 to 14 days of treatment. Please note that ringworm stages are not only about the changes that happen during infection. It is also about reversing the situation to heal the infection. The first stage after a few days of treatment is a clearing of the infected spot in your skin. Stopping the application of anti-ringworm topical creams the moment you see the affected area clear could mean an incomplete treatment. The underlying root of the fungus that caused the infection could still be lingering and could recover if you prematurely stop the treatment. It is highly important that you continue the treatment according to the number of days recommended to ensure that the infection does not recur.
I have had ringworm infection around the neck for about 10 years. I tried a lot of tablets and topical creams but it doesn’t go away. It occurs at around 2 months intervals then i have to take 400 mg fluconazole stat and it disappears, but later again it returns. Drug history: topical econazol, micoonazol, terbinafine, clitrimazole, ciclopirox, oral fhuconazol, ketoconazole, greseofulvin, terbinafine etc.
I know this sounds crazy but I have tried all fungal creams and sprays I could to rid myself of some sort of fungal rash, I even for awhile thought it could be eczema. I had it on my feet, on the tops for 2 years. Eventually I used Vick’s vapor rub and within days it started clearing up. Within 2 weeks it was gone completely. I washed my feet at bedtime, and put on Vick’s and then wore socks to sleep.. I now use Vick’s vapor rub for any skin weirdness and it works beautifully.
ya’ll might not have ringworm, more likely its tinea versicolor.
its another fungal infection but it doesnt go away.
you can treat it at home by showering with selsun blue(the dandruff shampoo) or see a doctor for ketoconazole that will kill it, only for a year in my case.
Mine flairs up in the heat and humidity around my chest, neck, and underarms and it can appear red or tan on different days. on tanned skin it appears lighter though.
i’m a 14 year old girl who is not sure whether i’m experiencing ringworm or not. i have been having this circular ring like rash that started off just a dry itchy skin but wasn’t red. i’ve had it since december 2016. i went to the doctor and they say it was eczema and gave me and anti fungal cream but it still doesnt go away. tried apple cider vinegar it got very dry and was like a scab and it peeled off but was still there. i’m desperate for a cure to this as i feel very insecure about it as i’m still schooling and stuff. the thing about my so called ringworm is that it isnt exactly red at times but it can appear dark abit purpleish brownish color. and ya i hope someone can help me please:(
Possible psoriasis? My husband has it, could be mistaken for ringworm.
Use coconut oil, unrefined, virgin and cold pressed.
I also have this type of eczema. It’s discoid/nummular eczema. Such a pain! It does look like ringworm but it seems like it never goes away.
OMG. DALE. I have been searching and researching “Ring Worm” for so long. Probably close to 10 years I’ve gotten it in heat/summer/near the pool. ONLY TODAY did I find your comment about “Tinea Versicolor” and you legit just changed my life. No doctor, or person on the internet has ever said those words in relation to the rash I was getting and after a simple google search of Tinea Versicolor I just realized thats EXACTLY what I keep getting. Thank you for sharing! You really did just change my life. I dont know if it will go away but at least I know what is. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I have had ringworm for over 12years, that’s because I was little when I got it and my parents did not bother to take me to the hospital to examine it. It goes away sometimes and mostly come back during dry season. I’m married with a kid of about 5months, it’s so sad to see that I hv given it to my baby. Mine is not actually like a ring , its usually starts to tiny rash that looks like heat rashes , atimes very faint ring that only me that view with a dot of rash on the center.
Please help, I really want it to go away for the seek of my children. How should I treat mine (over 12years)
You have to adopt a strict candida diet till the infection goes. You can google to know what the diet consists of. Also, applying 1 tsp of coconut oil has really helped to kill those bad bacteria.. be sure to appply regularly and wash your skin with 1 glass of water, mixed with apple cider vinegar and let it dry on the skin. Hope this helps.
Since last 2 weeks I see round / elliptical shaped redness on my skin near arm and neck area but that’s getting healed on its own by turning into brown in color and slowly into my skin color, is that anything of serious sort?
I have areas that have turned brown.
Are those healed?
These have been there for months, with clotrimaziole treatment.