Ringworm, also called tinea, is not really a worm but a contagious fungal infection of the skin. Different species of ringworm can affect different areas of the body. Over the counter antifungal treatments can usually eliminate most varieties of ringworm.
Description
Ringworm can affect one area of the body or can be present in many different places. People of any age can contract ringworm, but children prove particularly susceptible. The disease usually begins as a small red patch or bump that grows scaly and itchy. On most areas of the skin and scalp, the infection will appear circular with a clear area in the center and sharply defined edges. Infections of the foot or groin are more likely to present as scaly patches. Infections on the scalp and in the beard area of men may cause a loss of hair in that spot.
Types
The different types of ringworm are called by different names. When tinea infects the body, it is called tinea corporis, explains Medline Plus. Sometimes people refer to tinea corporis simply as ringworm, but it is actually only one of a few types of ringworm. Ringworm that infects the scalp is called tinea capitis. In the groin area, the infection is known as tinea cruris, and is sometimes called jock itch. Ringworm of the feet, tinea pedis, is more commonly known as athlete's foot.
Microorganisms
The microorganisms that cause ringworm infections are a kind of fungi known as dermatophytes, according to the Nemours Foundation. Dermatophytes enjoy damp places, so they typically thrive in wet showers and locker rooms. These fungi can also be carried by many pet animals, including cats and dogs.
Risk Factors
Some people have a higher chance of contracting ringworm than others, according to MayoClinic.com. People living in damp, humid conditions or who experience overcrowding may be more at risk. Sweating a lot may also leave the skin moist, exposing it to a possible ringworm infection. Contact sports like wrestling and football make someone more likely to get ringworm, as does wearing extremely tight clothing. Of course, close contact with someone who has ringworm can lead to a higher likelihood of contracting the disease, especially when people share personal items with that person.
Prevention
Wearing flip flops in the locker room or showers at school, work or gyms can help someone avoid contracting ringworm. Since the disease lives on the skin, avoiding sharing anything that touches the skin proves a good idea. This includes towels, sporting gear and combs. Washing clothes thoroughly is another preventative measure, as is keeping the skin itself clean and dry. Another thing to watch out for includes not petting animals that have an obvious bald spot, since this may indicate a ringworm infection.
