What is ringworm and how long is it contagious? – FIND OUT MORE
Before we truly dive into what ringworm is, let’s first state that if you think you have it, stay off the mats in the gym. Do not train MMA or BJJ. Have it checked out. Ringworm is contagious and you do not want to infect your teammates.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a type of skin infection, which is caused by a fungus. Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, such as training facilities, dojos, gyms, wrestling rooms, locker room floors and even in folds of your skin. It’s possible that the fungus can be present without showing any symptoms.
Exposed? How To Prevent?
Prevention of ringworm is easier than its treatment. Here are a few points of advice to prevent ringworm:
Avoid sharing clothing, towels, blankets and sports equipment.
Wash clothes in hot water with fungicidal soap after suspected exposure to ringworm.
Avoid walking barefoot and wear appropriate protective shoes like flip-flops to places like the beach, gyms and locker rooms.
Do not touch your face in case of facial ringworm
After being exposed to places where the potential of being infected is high, one should wash with an antibacterial or antifungal soap, or one that contains Tea Tree Oil, which contains terpinen-4-ol. It is responsible for the antimicrobial activity, and has been noted for the successful treatment of fungal infections.
How to prevent after contact
So, if you have already caught ringworm, do not waste time in getting yourself treated. This way you can contribute towards preventing ringworm from spreading. Also,
• Cover your infected skin
• Keep it dry and clean
Check, if your pet has ringworm. If yes, then take him to a vet immediately.
How long is it contagious?
There are different types of ringworm and it remains contagious as long as there are lesions on the body and they are active. From the point a person catches the infection to the time it appears on the body, he is infected but doesn’t harm others. This implies that the infection is not contagious but has a great potential of spreading to others once it appears on the body. Unfortunately this time phase of being contagious can vary from a few days to years depending on how quickly it is treated and with the correct medication. According to the doctors, there is no need to isolate children, the fungi is no more contagious after 24 to 48 hours.
Hygiene plays a key role in restricting ringworm infection. One needs to be extra cautious around the infected people, doing so minimizes the chances of the infection spreading.
Ringworm Treatment Soap
Though it sounds overrated but the right kind of soaps can ensure that the infection leaves your body without causing much distress. Defense soap for ringworm, containing a full 2% of essential oils, is one of the best antifungal soaps. Not only this, there is Defense shower gel with coconut oil infused is an antifungal body wash for ringworm and other fungal infection, and you can get that right here.
