As soon as you get that positive pregnancy test, it seems there are suddenly a million things to worry over. Many women worry about their diet, if they are taking the correct vitamins, how their body shape is changing and their health in general.
So if you have found yourself with an odd rash or circular marking on your skin, you may be alarmed and wondering is this ringworm and is ringworm in pregnancy dangerous?
What is Ringworm?
First off, the name “ringworm” sounds far more scary than what it actually is.
Ringworm is NOT an actual worm or insect or any other living animal living under skin. It is actually a type of fungal infection.
In medical terminology, ringworm is called tinea. Anyone infected with ringworm will usually experience a dry, crusty rash which could also be red and in a circular pattern.
How to Tell if it’s Ringworm?
If you notice a rash forming on your skin, such as on your arms, legs, face or even in your scalp, look to see if there are telltale ringworm signs.
Some things to look for include a red, raised circular pattern on your skin, itching of the area in question, sometimes a crusted over appearance. If it is suspected in your scalp, you may notice hair loss in that affected area.
You can always see a doctor to confirm and ask for a best course of action.
Where Did I Get It?
Because ringworm is highly contagious, it is easy to spread from simple contact. You could have brushed up against the infected skin of another person and been unlucky enough to contract the fungus.
Another common way of contracting ringworm is from your household pets. Cats and dogs both can be carriers of ringworm, with cats being a little more likely to be infected than dogs.
How Do I Get Rid of Ringworm?
In most cases, ringworm can be easily treated with a topical ointment, an anti-fungal cream similar to that you would use to treat a yeast infection.
You can usually find these creams easily at the local drug store over-the-counter. However, if you are visiting your doctor to confirm it is ringworm, he or she may prescribe a pregnancy safe alternative to the over-the-counter cream.
If you don’t feel comfortable with medicinal creams or prescribed medicines, you could try some at home remedies which are natural and pregnancy safe. These include:
1. Garlic - said to have great anti-fungal properties. Crush cloves into a paste and apply to the skin
2. Tea Tree Oil - not only helpful for lice but also effective in clearing up ringworm with antifungal and antiseptic benefits. Rub on affected area
3. Apple Cider Vinegar - used to treat many ailments, has antiseptic and anti-fungal healing properties. Rub liberally onto skin
4. Aloe Vera - not just for burns, but also has wonderful healing powers. Apply to the skin which is infected daily until gone
5. Lavender Oil - so mild, could be used on a baby but still a powerhouse in healing ringworm and the fungus strain. Apply to a cotton ball and leave on the skin to soak in throughout the day.
Could I Just Let it Try to Heal on its Own?
While you could try to let the infection clear up on it’s own, chances are very slim that this will happen.
Once your skin has been infected with the fungus, it is difficult to clear up by itself.
Aside from that, having this scaly, blotchy rash is very contagious and you could easily pass it on to your partner, your other children and anyone who may make contact with you.
If you still have it once the baby is born, you could pass it along during skin to skin contact.
Will Ringworm Hurt My Unborn Baby?
Since ringworm is a fungal infection, only found on the top layer of your skin, it does not affect the health of your pregnancy.
If you are using a topical cream or one of the aforementioned natural remedies, these won’t cross the placenta so they will not harm your unborn child.
If your doctor does prescribe an oral treatment, it is a good idea to talk to the pharmacist to ensure it is safe to take while pregnant.
Calm Your Fears
While it is natural to fret and worry as you progress throughout your pregnancy about how your health affects your little one, ringworm is of no concern.
It affects only the skin, which is a dead layer nonetheless, therefore never affecting a fetus.
Just always make sure the treatment you are using is pregnancy friendly, which most are, and you won’t have to be concerned.
Hopefully this has eased your mind and answered your questions about contracting ringworm in pregnancy. Please leave a comment or question because we love the feedback from our dedicated readers.
