Is There an Underlying Reason for Ringworm Re-infection?

Rebecca Campen, M.D., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and former Deputy Director of the Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Cutaneous Biology Research Center (CBRC). She currently serves as Senior Advisor to the CBRC and divides her time between clinical practice of dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and private practice in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Campen is the author of two books for medical students and residents, Going Into Medical Practice and Blueprints in Dermatology.

Question:

For the past two years, I have been getting ringworm. For the first year, my daughter was getting it as well. I use Lotrimin and keep the area covered until the ringworm is gone. I don't think I'm re-infecting myself, because it is months between infections. My doctor told me that it could come from too much sugar in my diet. Could there be some underlying reason for the re-infections, and is there a better treatment than Lotrimin?

Answer:

"Ringworm" is a skin infection caused by a type of fungus called a "dermatophyte." The common name "ringworm" comes from the appearance of the infected skin. There is often a pink, scaling area of skin with a clear center and a well-defined edge, giving the appearance of a pink ring.

Dermatophytes like to grow in warm, moist areas. "Athlete's foot," for example, is a fungal infection that occurs around and between the toes. "Jock itch" is a fungal infection of the upper, inner thighs and the groin. Fungal infections can occur anywhere on skin, including the scalp, fingernails and toenails.

People living in warm, moist climates are at greater risk of developing fungal infections of skin. Skin can also become infected by coming in direct contact with another infected person or an infected household pet. In fact, infected pets are often the source of recurrent fungal infections. If your pet is scratching or if you have a recurrent problem with ringworm, have your pet checked by a veterinarian.

People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or leukemia are often more susceptible to fungal infections than are others. If your immune system is weakened for any reason, your skin is more susceptible. If you have recurrent ringworm or other recurrent skin infections, be sure to see your physician to look for any underlying conditions.

It is important to know that other skin conditions can look like ringworm. There are simple tests that the dermatologist can do to determine whether your condition is ringworm or another skin condition. Antifungal creams and lotions will often be effective in treating ringworm, but it is important to see a dermatologist for correct diagnosis and treatment.