Definition

     Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is a contagious fungal infection of the skin. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm.

     Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious even before they show symptoms of the disease. Participants in contact sports such as wrestling have a risk of contracting the fungal infection through skin-to-skin contact.

     Ringworm is also a common infection in domestic animals, especially cattle and cats. Humans can contract ringworm from animals; cats, cattle and dogs are common sources owing to close association with humans.

Common Types

     The most common types of ringworm include the following:

• athlete's foot (tinea pedis or foot ringworm)
       This common condition mostly affects teen and adult males. It less frequently affects children before puberty. Contributing causes include sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes, and warm weather conditions. Symptoms of athlete's foot may include:
   

  • whitening of the skin between the toes
  • scaling of the feet
  • itchy rash on the feet
  • blisters on the feet
     

• jock itch (tinea cruris or groin ringworm)
       This condition is also more common in males and occurs more often during warm weather conditions. It is very rare in females. Symptoms of jock itch may include:
   

  • red, ring-like patches in the groin area
  • itching in the groin area
  • pain in the groin area
  • does not usually involve the scrotum
     

• scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
       Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. It occurs mainly in children between the ages of 2 to 10. It rarely occurs in adults. Symptoms of scalp ringworm may include:
   

  • red, scaly rash on the scalp
  • itching of the scalp
  • hair loss on the scalp

  • rash elsewhere on the body
     

       Ringworm of the scalp can also develop into a kerion, a large, tender lesion over the area of the initial ringworm. This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the ringworm and may be associated with a rash elsewhere and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
   

• nail ringworm (tinea unguium)
       An infection of the finger or toe nail, characterized by a thickened, deformed nail. This condition more often affects the toenails than the fingernails. This occurs more often in adolescents and adults rather than young children. Symptoms of nail ringworm may include:
   

  • thickening of the ends of the nails
  • yellow color to the nails
     

• body ringworm (tinea corporis)
       This skin infection is characterized by a ring-like rash anywhere on the body or the face. This occurs in all ages and is more common in warmer climates. The symptoms of body ringworm may include:
   

  • red, circular lesion with raised edges
  • the middle of the lesion may become less red as the lesion grows
  • itching of the affected area

     The symptoms of ringworm may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Causes

     Ringworm is caused by a fungus that grows on the skin. Once the fungus is established, it spreads out in rings. The center of the ring may clear up, while a new ring of infection develops at the edge of the old ring.

     Children are most likely to get ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp can spread from child to child when children share hats, combs, or brushes. Ringworm of the body can be spread on towels, clothing, or sports equipment. Personal hygiene is important in preventing the spread of ringworm. Dogs and cats can be infected with ringworm, too, and they can pass it to people through direct contact.

Symptoms  

     The symptoms of ringworm include:

• Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. This may create the appearance of a ring. Your skin may also appear unusually dark or light.

• When your scalp or beard is infected, you will have bald patches.

• If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

Complications 

• Spread of ringworm to other areas
• Bacterial skin infections
• Contact dermatitis or other skin disorders
• Side effects from medications

Prevention 

     To prevent ringworm:

• Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.
• Shampoo regularly, especially after haircuts.
• Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear, or other personal care items. Such items should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use.
• Wear sandals or shoes at gyms, lockers, and pools.
• Avoid touching pets with bald spots.