Ringworm And Pregnancy
Learning about Risk of Ringworm and Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience all types of changes with the body but when it comes to ringworm and pregnancy, a number of things can be done to prevent this problem and treat it. Initially, medical experts believed that ringworm was merely a rash but new studies show that this red round rash is actually a type of skin infection. Although you would think that ringworm and pregnancy means there is a worm involved, the truth is that it is not a worm at all.
The truth is that when it comes to ringworm and pregnancy, the woman is simply dealing with a fungal infection associated with the skin. Fungi, which are very small plants, live off animal or plant materials but they also feed on the outer layer of skin, nails, and hair known as keratin. The place in which ringworm and pregnancy affects the body tells a little bit about the infection. For instance, if ringworm were found in the groin area, it would be referred to as “jock itch”, when on the feet, it is known as “athlete’s foot”, but when the red circle appears anywhere else on the body, it is simply known as “ringworm”.
Seeing ringworm and pregnancy together is common and in fact, approximately 20% of the population experiences this fungal infection at one time in life or another. To get ringworm, people would need to be exposed to, or touch something with the fungal infection. In this case, if someone with eczema was touched or an animal, usually cats, ringworm would be transferred. Interestingly, children, especially boys get ringworm the most often and some people have a genetic disposition. Additionally, ringworm and pregnancy is actually something that many women deal with while carrying a child.
Ringworm and pregnancy, or anyone infected, would notice the start of a circle that is red, dry, and raised. Initially, the area would be very light but within a day or two, the ringworm would become a darker red. Some people also experience itching while others have no itching at all. It is important to note that while not overly contagious, ringworm can be passed from one person to another. This is why to avoid dealing with ringworm and pregnancy, women should avoid being exposed to this type of fungal infection.
If someone believes that ringworm has developed, a doctor’s visit could confirm. Usually, the doctor would take a very small scraping of the area, which would then be examined under a microscope. If ringworm is treated, it will go away relatively fast but if not, it could actually spread. Now, when it comes to ringworm and pregnancy, because treatment needs to continue for up to four weeks, prior to women using any type of medication, even something topical, they should first talk to the doctor just to make sure it would not affect the pregnancy.
Just remember that while annoying, ringworm and pregnancy does not cause problems to the mother or child. The biggest concern is the medication or cream needed to kill the fungal infection. However, with the doctor’s approval, treatment could begin and within a few weeks, the fungal infection would be gone.