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Ringworm
Alternate Names : Dermatophytid, Tinea
Definition
Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect your skin anywhere on your body (tinea corporis), your scalp (tinea capitis), your groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot).
Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Ringworm is a common skin disorder, especially among children, but it may affect people of all ages. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is caused by a fungus, not a worm.
Normally, a variety of organisms that you can't see (including bacteria and fungi) live in places on your body. Some of these are useful to you and your body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails.
Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus. (Cats are common carriers.)
The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Your risk for ringworm increases from prolonged wetness of your skin (such as from sweating) and from minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Ringworm Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Ringworm Symptoms & Signs
• Ringworm Prevention
• Ringworm Diagnosis & Tests
• Ringworm Treatment
• Ringworm Prognosis
• Ringworm Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Athlete's Foot
• Cellulitis
• Contact Dermatitis
• Jock Itch
• Tinea Capitis
• Tinea Corporis
Tests & Exams
• Wood's Lamp
Review Date : 8/6/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Philip L. Graham III, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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