Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Dr. Anja Loose-Roland
Updated on 02. November 2023
Ringworm, medically Erythema infectiosum, is a viral infectious disease. This disease is caused by the parvovirus B19. Typical of ringworm is a conspicuous rash that appears in the form of red rings. The disease is one of the classic childhood diseases and is therefore also called the fifth disease. Nevertheless, ringworm can affect people of any age.
Ringworm Brief overview:
- Causes: Infection with parvovirus B19
- Symptoms: Reddening of the skin, fever, headache & muscle pain
- Prevention: Avoid contact with infected people
- Treatment: Complaints are alleviated
What are the characteristic symptoms of ringworm in children?
Various symptoms can occur with ringworm. These can vary from person to person, especially depending on the age of the child and the individual immune system. In some cases, ringworm can be asymptomatic, which means that there are no obvious symptoms. Characteristic symptoms are:
- Fever and malaise
- Headache and muscle pain
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Extensive reddening of the skin
What are the symptoms of ringworm in adults?
Adults usually experience the same symptoms as children. It is known that some affected persons may suffer more from long-lasting pain in the limbs. In adults, fever occurs less frequently and the disease is recognised less often than in children due to an asymptotic course.
What is the course of an infection with ringworm?
After infection, the first stage of ringworm is the so-called prodromal phase. This is characterised by the non-specific flu-like symptoms. This phase usually lasts two to four days. This is followed by several symptom-free days. Only after several days does the characteristic skin rash appear, the main feature of ringworm. The rash typically starts on the face, especially on the cheeks, and then spreads to the body.
What is the course of the rash in ringworm?
In ringworm, the rash starts with butterfly-shaped redness on the face. The skin on the cheeks and nose may be swollen or tight and itchy. There is often a pale spot in the centre, giving the rash the appearance of a "ringlet". The rash may itch and in some cases be mildly painful. The symptoms may last for several days to a week and then gradually fade. After seven to ten days, the skin changes are mostly gone. Stress, sun exposure, heat or cold can make the rash more noticeable in the following days. Some sufferers have no redness or only very faint redness, which often makes diagnosis difficult.
Does ringworm cause itching on the skin?
The itchiness of ringworm is very individual. Some affected people feel no or only a slight urge to itch. When the rash subsides, the skin may be dry and scaly. This leads to a feeling of tightness and significant itching in the affected areas for many patients.
Is ringworm contagious?
Infection with ringworm mainly occurs via droplet infection from person to person. The parvovirus B19 is released into the air by an infected person through coughing, sneezing or close contact with saliva droplets. If a healthy person inhales these infectious droplets or picks them up by touching the mucous membrane of the mouth or nose, transmission of the virus can take place. The risk of infection for other people is highest in the days before the rash appears. Since the disease is often only recognised after the contagious phase, ringworm occurs more frequently.
What is the incubation period for ringworm?
In the case of ringworm, seven to 14 days pass between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms. The skin rash is visible after about two to three weeks.
How long does a child with ringworm have to stay at home?
As soon as the rash appears, the affected children are no longer contagious. If the child feels well and healthy, he or she may return to kindergarten or school. This only applies if it is certain that the rash was actually caused by ringworm.
Is ringworm dangerous for pregnant women?
Ringworm during pregnancy poses a considerable risk to the unborn child, especially up to the 21st week of pregnancy. The virus can pass through the placenta and infect the unborn child. As a result, the virus can attack the blood-forming cells of the unborn child and cause anaemia. As a result, oxygen and nutrient supply are no longer sufficient, which can lead to damage to the foetus, miscarriage or stillbirth. If the expectant mother has already been infected with ringworm and thus has immunity to ringworm, there are no complications to fear for the unborn baby. Complications do not occur in every infected pregnant woman. In particular, infections with ringworm during pregnancy in the third trimester have a low risk of harming the unborn baby. If a pregnant woman suspects that she has had contact with ringworm or has contracted the infection, she should see her doctor immediately. He or she can carry out appropriate examinations to determine the immune status and assess possible risks.
How dangerous is ringworm for babies and young children?
Infections with ringworm are usually milder in babies and small children than in older children. There are hardly any cold symptoms. Nevertheless, the child may develop fever and a skin rash. In rare cases, complications such as anaemia can also occur. This is a temporary decrease in red blood cells, which leads to anaemia. This manifests itself in symptoms such as fatigue, pallor of the skin or mucous membranes and shortness of breath. In ringworm, the anaemia is usually self-limiting. The condition improves as the body fights the infection and recovers. If ringworm is suspected in young children and babies, the paediatrician should be consulted.
How is ringworm treated?
Ringworm is not usually treated specifically, as the infection clears up on its own without complications in most cases. However, various measures can be taken to alleviate the symptoms.
What helps with ringworm?
Various measures can be taken to alleviate the symptoms caused by ringworm. These include:
- Symptomatic treatment: fever-reducing and pain-relieving medicines such as paracetamol can be taken for fever, headache and pain.
- Rest and adequate hydration: Resting and drinking enough fluids to keep the body hydrated and fight fever.
- Cream: Dry skin from ringworm can be treated with a greasy cream and lotions.
What is effective against itching in ringworm?
Itching can be an unpleasant side effect of ringworm. There are various measures that can help to relieve the itching.
- [Witch hazel](): Products with witch hazel have proven effective against itching. The plant, also called witch hazel, contains various active ingredients that have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin. That is why witch hazel is often used for skin irritations and against itching. Witch hazel in the form of cooling compresses or as a cream can help to soothe the skin and temporarily relieve itching.
- Cooling compresses: Applying cold or slightly cooled compresses to the affected areas of skin can temporarily relieve itching.
- Avoid scratching: Although the itching may be tempting, it is important to avoid scratching. This can otherwise further irritate the skin and lead to infection. Instead, gentle dabbing or light patting can bring relief to the itchy areas.
Which cream helps with ringworm?
The skin is often very dry and scaly for four weeks after the ringworm has subsided. The feeling of tightness and scaly patches can be alleviated with an oily and nourishing cream. Lotions are not suitable because of their low fat content. Creams should not contain irritants such as alcohol, fragrances and sulphates. To care for the skin, soothe it and relieve itching, creams with ingredients such as:
- Oils and butters: Vegetable oils such as jojoba oil, olive oil and almond oil, as well as shea and cocoa butters are rich in healthy fatty acids and lipids. They can help to replenish the skin with fat and restore its suppleness.
- Panthenol: Dexpanthenol, also known as provitamin B5, supports skin regeneration and has moisturising properties.
- Allantoin: Allantoin has a soothing effect on the skin and can help reduce irritation.
What home remedies help with ringworm?
Various home remedies for dry skin can help with ringworm. These particularly support the healing of the skin.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help soothe skin irritations and moisturise the skin. Aloe vera is best used fresh or as a pure gel.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has a soothing effect on the skin and can help reduce itching and redness. Compressions with chamomile tea are preferred.
- Green tea: Tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. These can help to soothe the skin.
- Oil baths: For the care of the skin on the body, baths with moisturising oils such as almond or olive oil are recommended.
Can I prevent ringworm?
To limit the spread of infection, infected people should stay at home, avoid close contact with others and follow good hygiene measures, such as washing hands regularly and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Is there a vaccination against ringworm?
There is no vaccination against ringworm. The disease is caused by parvovirus B19, for which no vaccine is currently available. Most people develop lifelong immunity against re-infection after being infected with the virus.
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