Ringworm is a common, contagious fungal infection caused by a number of different fungi. It enters skin through small cracks and can be difficult to treat. Ringworm affects different parts of the body, and the infection goes by different names, depending upon the part of the body infected. Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm.
Rash
The rash caused by ringworm usually grows in a circular configuration with a central area of healthy skin. The demarcated borders of the rash are often slightly raised from surrounding skin. When it occurs on the body, ringworm is called "tinea corporis," or ringworm of the body.
When ringworm occurs in the groin area, it is called "tinea cruris," or more commonly, jock itch. Jock itch affects men more often than women and can be spread through sharing towels. It generally grows in the creases between the upper thighs and the buttocks and has a pink, scaly border. An abundance of sweat ducts in the groin area provide a continuous source of moisture for the fungus. Tight clothing and warm weather can add to the favorable environment.
Itch, Pain and Burning
Itch often accompanies the different forms of ringworm. Jock itch, in fact, takes its name from the sometimes intense itching that the infection causes. Mayo Clinic reports that pain is also a symptom of jock itch. When ringworm occurs on the feet, burning also occurs.
Scaling
Ringworm on the feet is commonly called athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is often caused by either the Trichophyton or Epidermophyton fungus, and scaling of the skin is a common symptom, either with or without redness and itching. Like most fungi, the ones that cause athlete's foot prefer warm, dark, moist areas. The areas between the toes are common sites for athlete's foot. These areas remain moist as a result of sweating, which is exacerbated by wearing tight, airless shoes and synthetic fiber socks. Scaling can be mild to severe, but in the severe cases, cracks and fissures can occur, which opens skin to secondary bacterial infections.
Hair Loss
Areas where hair grows create favorable environments for ringworm fungi. The fungi live on keratinized cells. Keratin is the main protein in dead skin cells, nails and hair. When ringworm infects the scalp, called "tinea capitis," the infection is usually caused by the fungus Trichophyton. It is highly contagious and can cause circular bald patches to appear on the scalp. When the infection appears in the beard area, called "tinea barbae," Trichophyton mentagrophytes or T. verrucosum fungi are often to blame. Like ringworm of the scalp, ringworm of the beard causes circular bald patches in the beard area. The Merck Manual reports that if the infection goes deeper than superficial layers of the skin, scarring can occur.
