Straight from the Dermatologist
An Interview with Professor A. Shemer, MD, Senior Dermatologist & Mycologist
Ring Shield: Professor Shemer, thank you for the time to answer some questions about ringworm infections and other skin conditions.
Ring Shield: What is a ringworm infection?
Professor Shemer: A ringworm infection is a skin condition caused by several types of Fungi typically of the Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton types. It looks like a 'ring', and this is why it is called ringworm, but it is not a worm. It is an infections fungal disease. It is usually a red, itchy, scaly, circular rash.
Ring Shield: Who is usually susceptible to ringworm infections?
Professor Shemer: People with bad hygiene, sportsmen or men or women who are active in contact sports or martial arts or even sport that involve filthy and funky gear like in Hockey, football, boxing etc.
Ring Shield: Is it contagious? And how common is it?
Professor Shemer: Yes! In most cases the fungi can be transmitted in contact. From person to person or from funky clothes or sports gear to the skin. It can be transmitted in one person from a single spot to another. Almost 20% of the population could get ringworm in their lifetime. The percentage is much higher in
people that practice sports on a regular basis.
Ring Shield: How can we prevent and treat ringworm infections?
Professor Shemer: Keeping the skin dry, and clean, not sharing personal clothes or sports gear and taking a shower (preferably not barefoot) with soaps and shampoos that contain anti fugal ingredients and skin soothing protectants, preferably immediately after exercise. Treatment is usually done with anti-fungal medicated creams or shampoos If the scalp is also affected.
Ring Shield: Are there other types of skin infections? How can I diagnose if I have ringworm?
Professor Shemer: There could be many types of skin infections such as microbial (like Staph), Viral (such as Herpes), parasitic skin infections (like scabies) and Fungal (as ringworm). When a person has a skin infection, they should consult with a dermatologist to treat the infection but in any case, using a hygienic soap every day could prevent many of the infections.
Ring Shield: What is Ring Shield soap, shampoo and powder?
Professor Shemer: I have seen the composition of the Ring Shield line and I like it a lot. The powder is a medicated powder designed to treat Fungal infections including ringworm and Athlete’s Foot. The soap and shampoo are cosmetics that contain climbazole that act as a preservative which is known to prevent fungal growth, and natural pomegranate extract that could potentially contribute as a barrier protectant and also as a prebiotic source for healthy skin microbiome. The liquid shampoo has a PH of 5.5 which is perfect for healthy looking scalp and skin. I recommend using the soap and shampoo after every sports activity or exercise.
Ring Shield: Thank you so much, professor!