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RINGWORM OVERVIEW

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. Ringworm is actually an infection caused by a fungus. It is called ringworm because it can cause a ring-shaped, red, itchy rash on the skin. Ringworm is also called tinea.

There are several different types of ringworm infections, which are named from the body-part that is affected:

●Tinea capitis affects the top of the head, or scalp, and is found mostly in children

●Tinea pedis affects the feet, and is also called "athlete's foot"

●Tinea cruris affects the groin, and is also called "jock itch"

●Tinea faciei affects the face

●Tinea barbae affects the beard area

●Tinea manuum affects the hands

●Tinea corporis is the catch-all term for tinea infections on other body surfaces

You can catch ringworm from someone else who is infected, or even from an infected dog or cat. You can also catch it from objects, such as a shower stall, locker room floor, or pool area that has the fungus. Plus, you can spread ringworm from one body part (such as your feet) to another (such as your groin or hand).

If you have ringworm, your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose it just by looking at your rash. In some cases, s/he will take some scrapings of the rash and look at it under a microscope to check for the fungus. Rarely, a healthcare provider may need to send scrapings from the rash for a fungal culture (a test used to identify fungus by growing it in a microbiology laboratory).

This article will discuss the symptoms and treatment of each type of ringworm infection. More detailed information about tinea is available by subscription  Fungal nail infections are also discussed separately. 

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