Chronic ringworm is a skin fungus. It is a resistant form of ringworm infection, and is difficult to cure if the reason for the disease is not known.
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What Is Chronic Ringworm?
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Chronic ringworm is caused by a microscopic fungus. It is from the same family of infections as athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock-itch (tinea cruris) and candidiasis (tinea versicolor).
Chronic Ringworm
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If ringworm is untreated, or the infection is deep, it can become chronic. At this stage it is difficult to treat, unless the cause is detected.
How Is Chronic Ringworm Contracted?
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Chronic ringworm is contagious, and can spread from person to person, or animal to person. The condition spreads in various ways, including sharing personal items such as clothing, having physical contact with animals such as cats or dogs or having an eczema outbreak that becomes infected by fungi.
What Are the Symptoms?
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The infected area spreads slowly outwards, creating a slightly raised, bright-red ring circling a lighter red flaky, itchy area. This becomes larger, if untreated, and can occur at multiple sites on the body.
Treatment
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To treat ringworm, start by using over-the-counter anti-fungal cream. The ringworm should begin to improve, and should clear up within two to four weeks. If there is no improvement, consult a doctor for more aggressive treatment.
Treatment for Pets
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Pets can have the infection or be carriers of the infection. If an animal is left untreated it will continue to re-infect individuals in the home. To break the cycle, take the animal to a veterinarian for treatment.
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