Protect Your Family from Ringworm at the Swimming Pool

Ringworm may sound like something out of a horror movie, but it’s actually an infection caused by a fungus, not worms as the name suggests. Symptoms include an itchy, ring-shaped rash that often occurs in folds or creases of the skin.

The fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm, moist environments, notes Medline Plus. Swimming pools and surrounding areas, such as pool decks and showers, can provide favorable transmission conditions for ringworm infections.

How Ringworm Can Spread at the Swimming Pool

Ringworm can be spread in two main ways, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The infection can be transmitted from one person's skin to another. A common scenario is for ringworm to spread among children playing together in and around the swimming pool. Animals, including pet dogs, can also transmit ringworm through skin-to-skin contact.

Ringworm can also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, and clothing. This can occur when a damp pool towel or other personal item is used by an infected swimmer and then shared with a friend. The floors of pool decks, changing rooms, and public showers are also hot spots for the fungus that causes ringworm to thrive.

Ringworm Symptoms and Diagnosis

According to Mayo Clinic, telltale signs of ringworm can include:

• Circular, ring-shaped lesions that are clear in the center while spreading at the edges
• Skin redness on white skin, and shades of red, purple, brown, or gray on darker skin tones
• Itching
• A circular, flat patch of itchy skin
• Overlapping rings

Nail-based ringworm results in thick, brittle white or yellow nails, the CDC notes. Ringworm may be called different things depending on where on the body the infection is located. On the feet and toes, for example, it’s called athlete's foot and in the groin area, it’s called jock itch. Other common areas people get ringworm include the scalp, trunk (center of the body), arms, and legs.

Symptoms typically appear between four days to two weeks after your skin comes in contact with the fungus, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Due to its distinct appearance, your doctor may be able to diagnose ringworm with only a physical exam. In some cases, your doctor may want to confirm the diagnosis with additional tests such as a culture or skin scraping.

Ringworm Treatment and Complications

Treatment of ringworm infections depends on the infection's location and severity, along with your tolerance for specific medications, the CDC notes. For body, foot, or groin ringworm, your physician may prescribe an oral or topical antifungal medication. For scalp ringworm, your doctor may also recommend an antifungal shampoo.

Some mild cases of ringworm may clear up on their own, while others may require treatment lasting up to several weeks.

Ringworm infections can sometimes develop complications, including severe inflammation that can lead to blisters, boils, and painful lesions called kerions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Hair loss, nail deformities, and secondary bacterial infections are also possible. These complications are more likely if ringworm isn’t treated properly.

Prevent Ringworm Infection

You can help prevent ringworm transmission by following some simple recommendations.

At the swimming pool, make sure your and your family:

• Don’t share personal items like towels, clothes, hair brushes, shoes, or sandals
• Wear waterproof footwear, such as flip-flops, when walking in communal areas like pool decks, locker rooms, and showers
• Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands and feet and drying them thoroughly, particularly after using the pool
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with any people or pets who may have ringworm

If you have an active ringworm infection, stay away from the pool until the infection has completely healed. Scrub showers and tubs with bleach or fungicide.

Wash your bedding, clothes, and towels thoroughly. Don't allow anyone else to use your brushes, hats, towels, or other personal items. Finally, keep the infected area clean and dry and wash your hands thoroughly after touching the rash.