Causes And Treatment For Ringworm On Buttocks
Ringworm is an infectious disease caused by a fungus, not a worm -as its name suggests. The word ‘Ringworm’ comes from the physical appearance of this infection on skin. It looks like a raised ring of red or dark pink colored rash having a pale interior. The scientific names of various fungi that cause ringworm are Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Ringworm infection is also called dermatophytosis in medical terms. It is named after specific areas of the skin that are infected. The ringworm that infects buttocks, inner thigh, and groin areas is called tinea cruris. Although ringworm infection on the buttocks is fairly common, it is hard to diagnose and treat them because of the location of the infection. Ringworm on the buttocks, inner thigh and groin can also be attributed to Jock Itch. Again, as the name might suggests, Jock itch is not specific to men or boys all though it is much more common in men. All human beings and pets are susceptible to this infection.
Causes for ringworm on buttocks
- Ringworm is a highly contagious infection that spreads with sharing of clothes, towels, and sports gear with the infected person or through the toilet seat.
- Ringworm can spread from and to pets through contact or contaminated toys, blankets and feeding bowls.
- Ringworm also spreads from one part of the skin to another by contact and friction. Ringworm thrives and spreads in warm and moist areas of the skin.
- Sharing gym lockers and using the common swimming pool are also the leading causes of ringworm on buttocks, groin and inner thigh.
- Walking bare foot in contaminated areas causes ringworm between the toes, and beneath the toenails- also called Athlete’s foot. This easily spreads to the groin and buttocks in the process of wearing trousers, underwear and other clothing.
- Sharing articles of clothing like underwear, thong and pantyhose (socks and stockings) also causes butt fungal infections.
- Dry skin aggravates the infection faster than a healthy balanced skin. Keep your skin well toned, moisturized and healthy; free from dry rashes and cuts. Use mild soaps and cleansers that do not dry your skin, yet keep it clean.
Symptoms of Jock itch or ringworm on buttocks
- A rash on the buttocks that looks like a bright red ring.
- The edge of the ring is scaly and has bumps and blisters.
- The skin within the ring maybe pale likes other cases of ringworm or it maybe brown.
Treatment of ringworm on buttocks
Treatment of ringworm on the buttocks is pretty straightforward once the diagnosis is complete. Use sulfur based over the counter antifungal creams or powders that are also available online. These products contain miconazole or clotrimazole that prevent further spreading or ringworm and get rid of the existing infection. Soaks made of tea tree oil are also available online which will relieve the itching and burning sensation caused by ringworm infection. If you prefer natural remedies to chemical or pharmaceutical remedies, you can procure tea tree oil or coconut oil and apply over the affected areas. This helps in healing the itch and burning. Tea tree oil and coconut oil contain antifungal properties that help get rid of the infection. However, if the infection is severe and widespread, it is better to use a quick acting over the counter remedy like a clotrimazole cream or consult the doctor
Prevention of ringworm on buttocks
- Ringworm on buttocks is extremely contagious and spreads fast, often from ignored sources like hotel bedroom sheets. If you travel frequently, carry your own sheets or check into hotels reputed for hygiene.
- If you contract Athlete’s foot for some reason, treat it immediately with antifungal creams and soaps.
- Avoid wearing wet clothes (or wearing clothes on wet skin and staying in them for extended periods of time). There is no climate better for a fungus than a warm skin in moist condition with plenty of time to multiply and spread.
- If the swimming pool looks unhygienic, refrain from swimming. Take an antifungal shampoo to the locker room/shower room if you feel the pool/ gym is crowded and shower and change into fresh dry clothes immediately after the swim or sport or exercise.
- Disinfect sheets, vessels, toys, blankets and other material that is likely to be infected by either the pets or members of the household to prevent spreading the infection to the rest of the household and pets.
Ringworm on buttocks is a fairly common condition among Americans, especially men. The only challenge with its treatment is that diagnosis is often difficult because of the location of the rash. One can have an inkling of an infection only after the itching starts. By being aware of the specific disease and taking appropriate care, one can avoid infection of ringworm on buttocks.
