What Is Ringworm? Ringworm is a type of fungal skin infection. Fungi (the plural of fungus) are microscopic plant-like organisms that thrive in damp, warm environments. They're usually not dangerous, but sometimes can cause disease.
What will happen if ringworm is not treated?
If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other areas of your body. You may also risk spreading the infection to someone else. Other potential complications include: hair loss and scarring.
Does ringworm lead to death?
While deadly fungal infections kill over a million people every year, superficial ones such as ringworm (pictured), athlete's foot and dandruff can affect 1-2 billion people annually, as well as put stress on health care systems.
Is ringworm an emergency?
Generally, ringworm infections are not emergencies. But if someone develops fever, increased pain, swelling, drainage, or redness, which could suggest a bacterial secondary infection of the ringworm lesion, go to a hospital's emergency department.
How long can ringworm be left untreated?
There's no set time limit for a ringworm infection. Without treatment, it may go away on its own in a matter of months in a healthy person. Or it may not. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine.
