Concern Regarding Ringworm Infection
Age: 24, Weight: 194 lbs, Height: 5’1”, Ethnicity: Caucasian. Currently, I am not on any oral medications and have only been using an antifungal steroid called Hydroagisten, prescribed by my physician. My main issue revolves around a ringworm infection located on my temple and along my hairline, which I have been treating with Hydroagisten for the last two months. Though the circular rash has nearly vanished and there isn’t any flaking or active scaling present, I still notice some lingering faint redness along the edges, minor bumps, and occasional itching—especially aggravated when I wear my headphones. It’s worth mentioning that I did not get a haircut for the entire duration of the active infection, which also contributed to the irritation that I experienced. I recently visited my barber and felt it was essential to inform him about my condition, as he deserves to be aware of any potential risks. Although he appeared concerned, he proceeded with the haircut since the affected area seemed mostly healed. However, I'm now anxious about the possibility that I may have transferred the fungus to him or his tools, considering that he needed to hold my head in place while cutting my hair. Since I have been applying a steroid cream, I worry that the infection might still be present beneath the surface of the skin or within the hair follicles. Despite our efforts to limit any physical contact, I continue to feel uneasy about the situation.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 10:00:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about your ringworm infection and the possibility of transmission, especially after a haircut. Here's a breakdown of the situation and clear steps forward for you.
Main Points:
- Healing Status: The fact that the circular rash has nearly vanished and there's no active scaling is encouraging. However, lingering redness, bumps, and itching can be signs of ongoing irritation or an infection that needs further attention.
- Transmission Concerns: Ringworm is a fungal infection that spreads through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces. Your concern about potential transfer to your barber is valid, but the risk is reduced if the area is healing and your barber practiced good hygiene.
- Managing Symptoms: It's important to continue caring for the infected area and monitor your symptoms closely.
Explanation:
Ringworm, caused by a fungus, can take time to fully resolve, especially in sensitive areas like the scalp and temples where hair follicles exist. The lingering symptoms you're experiencing, like redness and itching, do not necessarily mean the infection is still active; they could also indicate irritation, possibly exacerbated by your headphones or recent haircut.
As for your barber, if you mentioned your condition and he took precautions, it minimizes the risk of spreading the infection. Effective hygiene practices, such as sanitizing tools and hands, also reduce this risk significantly.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Treatment: Keep applying the prescribed antifungal steroid (Hydroagisten) as directed. It might help to alternate the steroid with a topical antifungal cream (consult your healthcare provider for suitable options) to ensure the infection is fully addressed.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Track any changes in your skin condition over the next couple of weeks. Note any increases in redness, bumps, or itching. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after using the antifungal treatment for another 1-2 weeks, reevaluate your treatment plan.
-
Avoid Irritation: Minimize using headphones or anything else that relates pressure or friction on the area until it is fully healed. This will help reduce irritation.
-
Hygiene Practices: Maintain good hygiene by washing hats, hair accessories, and anything that comes into contact with your hair or skin regularly. This helps reduce the likelihood of re-infection or transmission.
-
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about ringworm and fungal infections; understanding the condition can alleviate some of your anxieties. Remember, the healing process can take time.
Please feel free to reach out again if you have more questions or need further clarification on anything!
Related Questions
Encounter with Roosting Bats: Should I Be Concerned About Rabies?
The other day, I found myself standing beneath a tree when I suddenly felt a moist droplet land on my forehead. Glancing upwards, I spotted around ten bats hanging from a branch directly overhead. In a moment of concern, I rushed to the nearest restroom to thoroughly wash my face with soap and water. While I don't recall any fluid touching my eyes or mouth, I can't shake the worry about potential rabies exposure in this situation. I'm curious about how probable it is for bats to release saliva as opposed to urine and whether tree guttation could be a factor in this instance. By the way, I'm currently traveling in Africa. Just to note, I have completed a full rabies vaccination series and received a booster within the last three years, which might be relevant to my situation.
Dihydrocodine Intake - Should I Worry?
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 50 kilograms. Currently residing in the UK, I've recently ingested six tablets of dihydrocodine, each containing 30 mg. I didn’t consume them all at once; instead, I spaced them out over the last few hours—perhaps four in total. Alongside this, I also took a hit from a bong. Now, I find myself feeling somewhat inebriated. I’m not fatigued, yet I could easily drift off to sleep if I rested my head. Additionally, my stomach is quite empty except for about half a bag of popcorn. I’m trying to figure out whether this sensation is primarily due to the combination of the dihydrocodine and cannabis or if there are reasons for concern. Thanks to autocorrect, my typing isn’t too disastrous at the moment, but I can’t tell if that’s because my spelling is just poor or not. My eyelids feel heavy and I often fight the urge to close my eyes, which actually feels soothing. It resembles that state when you're incredibly drowsy but manage to stay awake a little longer. Is there anything I can do to alleviate this feeling, or should I be cautious about potential adverse effects?
Seeking Guidance After Two Emergency Room Visits
Approximately a week ago, I found myself at the emergency room (ER) twice within a mere three days. The symptoms that prompted these visits had been escalating in severity for about a week before my first trip. Among them were intense lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, a day of comprehensive body soreness, recurring fevers that soared above 103 degrees, and some abdominal discomfort. Recognizing that my body was signaling something unusual, I decided to seek medical help, particularly because my parents insisted I should go (I’m 20 years old). During my initial visit, I detailed all the troubling symptoms I was experiencing. However, the medical staff seemed particularly focused on the abdominal pain, which, while troubling, was not my primary concern at the time. They conducted an ultrasound and various blood tests, ultimately declaring that everything appeared normal, including my white blood cell count, indicating an absence of infection or virus. While I understood their rationale for sending me home, I left feeling somewhat frustrated, as I felt they didn’t fully acknowledge my issues with lightheadedness. The following day, I noticed that my condition had significantly deteriorated, but I hesitated to seek help, feeling perhaps overly dramatic. By the next day, merely lying down made my entire body feel weighted and exceedingly dizzy. So, I opted for urgent care first. The staff there quickly recognized something was off; I was pale, sweaty, and struggling to maintain my balance. My speech was incoherent due to the dizziness, and my blood pressure was low—though that’s somewhat common in my family. They decided to refer me back to the ER due to concerns about my electrolytes, especially since I had been struggling to eat. I should mention that I even vomited while at urgent care, despite having no prior nausea. Upon returning to the ER, I was greeted with "Oh, welcome back," which did little to ease my concerns. I underwent additional blood tests, an EKG, and a CT scan with contrast due to worries about my breathing and abdominal issues—the CT scan being one of the most uncomfortable experiences I've had. Ultimately, the results revealed no visible medical issues. Although I acknowledged that they carried out all the necessary tests, I was frustrated to hear that dehydration was the likely cause of my symptoms. I was skeptical, however, as I had been consuming copious amounts of water during my discomfort, particularly when sleeping wasn’t an option. My lack of appetite resulted in vomit that mostly comprised bile and water. Now, a week has passed, and I continue to feel quite poorly; any prolonged movement or even simply standing up exacerbates my symptoms. I struggled to drive recently, ultimately pulling over because of overwhelming dizziness. Additionally, I have been experiencing a mild fever. I just feel completely exhausted by this situation. It’s noteworthy to mention that I’m a woman studying medicine and biology, and I’m acutely aware of the medical field's biases against women. While I don't entirely attribute my experience to this bias, I can't shake the feeling that my concerns—especially regarding my hydration—were not taken seriously. Any validation, advice, or reassurance would be immensely appreciated. Alternatively, if you feel I'm merely being overly dramatic and should focus on improving my diet or similar adjustments, I'd welcome that perspective as well. Thank you for your support.
Concerns About Inhaling Barium Chloride Fumes
I reside in a smaller, rural community where our chemistry instructor seems to be showing signs of dementia. Today, we conducted an experiment involving the combustion of barium chloride. Unfortunately, our teacher did not prioritize safety measures; we did not utilize a fume hood or wear protective masks. With only five students in the class, I, being the oldest, performed the experiment. After burning the substance for approximately six minutes, followed by another eight minutes, I suspect I inhaled toxic fumes. Since then, I have experienced a persistent headache that fluctuates in severity, ranging from a level 8 down to a level 2. I took two Advil around two hours ago, yet the pain continues to vary in intensity. It particularly pains the area across my forehead and brow ridge, which has left me feeling somewhat anxious. I did a quick search online, despite knowing it might not be wise. My heart rate seems normal, but the headache lingers. Should I be concerned? Is this something that will likely fade on its own, or do I need to seek medical attention?
Concerns About Cloudy, Odorous Urine
Hello, I'm a 25-year-old female, and I recently underwent a urine culture which has left me feeling anxious. Back in January, I noticed that my urine was cloudy and had a strong odor. Although these symptoms vanished for a brief period, they have returned just this week. I want to emphasize that I do not experience any discomfort in my lower back or any pain while urinating. Additionally, I have not encountered any headaches or any significant pain whatsoever. I'm curious to know what might be causing these symptoms. For context, I am currently using hormonal birth control. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!