Foot ringworm Or athlete's foot is a red, itchy, flaky rash between the toes, caused by warm or moist environments such as showers, changing rooms or saunas.
In terms of microbiology, a sauna does not pose a health risk, as the microbes that are typically found there are part of normal human flora. The amounts are usually too small to result in an infection, and microbes are unable to penetrate healthy, unbruised skin.
It can also be passed on objects like combs, brushes, hats, towels, or clothing. Minor skin injuries (such as scratches), too much exposure to heat and humidity, and some health conditions (such as diabetes, obesity, or immune system problems) can make a person more likely to develop ringworm.
The fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm, moist areas. Ringworm is more likely when you are often wet (such as from sweating) and from minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails. Ringworm can affect the skin on your: Beard, tinea barbae.
Gyms are prime hotspots for ringworm, as the fungus can linger on equipment, mats, and towels. It's highly contagious, meaning it can spread quickly through skin contact or shared surfaces. To dodge this unwanted guest, always use a personal towel on gym benches, wash your hands often, and avoid sharing gear.
You're at higher risk of ringworm of the body if you: Live in a warm climate. Have close contact with an infected person or animal. Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection.
You might have fungal sweat rash if you notice:
A red rash with scaling around the edge. Sore or stinging skin. Itchy or burning skin. Broken skin (in the space between fingers or toes)
Ringworm is caused by a fungus . It's not caused by a worm. The kinds of fungi that cause ringworm live and spread on the top layer of the skin and on the hair. They grow best in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds.
How Do People Get Ringworm? Besides spreading from person to person, ringworm can come from pets or other animals (usually cats, dogs, or rodents). It thrives in warm, moist environments such as public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas. It can spread easily when people are in close physical contact.
Ringworm on the skin like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) are usually treated with non-prescription antifungal medications. Antifungal creams, ointments, lotions, or powders are usually applied to the skin for 2 to 4 weeks.
After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.
Foot ringworm
Or athlete's foot is a red, itchy, flaky rash between the toes, caused by warm or moist environments such as showers, changing rooms or saunas.
Legionella grows in warm water sources. When property owners don't maintain and disinfect their water systems, the bacteria multiply and infect the water supply. Legionnaires' in steam rooms is a big risk, as well as hot tubs, saunas, pools, and showers.
Cholinergic urticaria are hives (raised red bumps on your skin) that appear when your body temperature rises and you start to sweat. It's an immune reaction that happens when you're exposed to heat, like exercise or taking a hot shower. Other names for cholinergic urticaria include heat bumps or heat hives.
How soon do symptoms appear? The incubation period is unknown for most of these agents, however ringworm of the scalp is usually seen 10 to 14 days after contact and ringworm of the body is seen 4 to 10 days after initial contact.
When cleaning the area with ringworm, wash the affected area(s) and dry it (them) with a clean towel. Use another clean towel to dry the other parts of your body. Before using these towels again, wash them in hot, sudsy water. To keep the area dry, avoid wearing clothes, socks, and shoes that make you sweat.
Do not cover the ringworm with a bandage. Wash and dry your hands well.
Because dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist areas, athletes are at risk for ringworm because they are likely to sweat and be around others who are sweating. This is why prevention is so important.
What causes ringworm? Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm. This type of fungus naturally lives on your skin, hair and nails. However, when their environment gets hot and damp, the fungi start growing uncontrollably.
The condition is also known as “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” About 40 different species of fungi can cause ringworm on the skin. Fungi like warm, moist environments, whether it's a rainforest or a sweaty locker room.
Hyperhidrosis increases the risk of developing fungal infections, particularly on the feet – most commonly fungal nail infections and athlete's foot. This is because excessive sweat combined with wearing socks and shoes creates an ideal surrounding for fungi to grow.