Ringworm is a sort of itchy, red, or discolored skin rash brought on by the contagious fungus tinea (tinea capitis when it affects your scalp and tinea corporis when it affects your body).
Tinea is the same sort of fungus that causes jock itch and athlete’s foot, and it can be spread by both people and pets.
The ring-like structure of the ringworm rash, which typically surrounds a circle of cleaner skin, gives it its name.
Contrary to its name, there is no worm present. It can resemble psoriasis, a skin illness that also causes a red or discolored rash.
Nearly any area of your body, including your hands and scalp, is susceptible to ringworm.
Most ringworm cases are minor and manageable to treat at home with medicine. Ringworm often goes away in 2 to 4 weeks.
Treatment for more severe cases could last up to three months.
Hair loss could result from some fungal conditions, such as ringworm on the scalp. Rarely, ringworm infection may leave a person with scars.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ A common fungal infection called ringworm results in a circular, reddish, or discolored rash.
✅ While the majority of people recover from ringworm without any long-term consequences, others may develop permanent scarring.
✅ Although these scars often dissolve with time, there are a number of things you may do to lessen or avoid their visibility.
Do ringworm lesions leave scars?
Ringworm is a condition that is frequently treated with antifungal drugs. These drugs effectively treat the majority of ringworm cases, and rashes go away. Rarely, do ringworm lesions that have been cured leave behind skin scars.
People with: are more susceptible to getting ringworm scars.
- Autoimmune conditions
- Skin sensitivity
- Colored skin
- Conditions for healing wounds
Ringworm rarely leaves scars on its victims.
How do ringworm scars appear?
Rarely, after a case of ringworm, a person may have circular, brown, or discolored scars on their skin that are permanent. The ringworm rash and these scars both follow the same pattern. They are round and typically encircle a circular area of skin that is clearer.
How can ringworm scars be removed?
Scars from ringworm are typically flat, brown, or discolored. They can cover both big and little skin portions. Ringworm can leave some scarring that is permanent. Scarring need not be dangerous, as scars typically lighten with time. However, some people might prefer to hide their scars.
Typical methods for reducing the visibility of scars include:
Dermabrasion
A qualified medical expert uses a quickly rotating tool to smooth out damaged, discolored skin during dermabrasion, a cosmetic surgery. The tool rubs your skin to eliminate the scarred area’s top layer.
The skin that replaces it is typically smoother and toned more uniformly. This technique uses local anesthetic and may temporarily make your skin uncomfortable. Results typically appear after three months.
Laser treatment
Scarred skin is exposed to incredibly strong light beams during laser therapy. Your skin’s outermost layer is either removed by the sun or injured areas see fresh skin growth. Laser therapy, when administered by qualified medical personnel, is typically secure and successful in lessening the visibility of ringworm scars.
Avoid further skin deterioration
The likelihood that your scar will gradually become less noticeable over time might be increased by avoiding additional skin damage. Additionally, if you already have ringworm, taking proper care of your skin may help reduce the possibility of developing scars while you recover.
Be aware of the impacts of smoking, sun damage, and any drugs you take that could make scarring worse. For instance, antifungal drugs may increase your skin’s susceptibility to UV damage.
Here are some simple ideas to protect and maintain the health of your skin:
- Reduce or stop smoking. Although it could be challenging, a doctor can come up with a strategy that works for you.
- Consistently use a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- When your skin is dry, moisturize it.
- Wear garments to shield your skin from the wind.
- When outdoors, keep exposed skin covered.
- Refrain from going outside while the sun is at its strongest.
- Try to maintain a healthy diet.
- Attempt to get enough rest.
- Steer clear of alcohol.
E vitamin
For years, vitamin E cream and oil have been recommended as scar remedies. However, there is little clinical proof that vitamin E works to minimize scar appearance. Always see a doctor before using vitamin E or any other treatment for your scars. Medications or pre-existing medical issues may interact with certain therapies.
Other ringworm side effects
Some individuals may hardly ever be more vulnerable to a severe infection that penetrates below the skin. A sickness of this severity may result from this infection. A person with a compromised immune system, such as someone with HIV/AIDS, is more susceptible to such a reaction to ringworm.