Despite its name, ringworm is not a parasitic infection but a fungal infection. Ringworm is common, especially in children, and is known by many names depending on where it occurs on the body: tinea corporis affects the skin, tinea capitis affects the scalp, tinea cruris affects the groin and often is known as jock itch, and tinea pedis affects the feet and is commonly referred to as athlete's foot.
Identification
Ringworm might appear as red, raised and scaly patches with blisters that ooze. These patches often have sharply defined edges giving them a ring-like appearance. Skin might appear lighter or darker than usual. If the scalp or beard is infected, people will have bald patches, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ringworm that affects the nails can cause them to become thick and discolored and they might crumble easily.
Causes
Many bacteria and fungi live on the body. Ringworm occurs when a mold-like fungus called a dermatophyte lives on the cells in the outer layer of the skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist areas and people are more likely to get ringworm if they have wetness from sweat or minor injuries to the scalp, skin or nails.
Transmission
Ringworm is contagious and often spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It is possible for a person to contract ringworm by making contact with an object or surface that an infected person has recently touched, such as bedding or linens, combs, brushes, clothing or towels. In rare cases, a person can contract ringworm through contact with infected soil, although a person would have to have prolonged contact with the infected soil.
Treatment
People can often treat ringworm with over-the-counter topical medications such as miconazole or terbinafine. If the fungal infection is large or the infection is severe, a person might need an oral prescription antifungal medication such as fluconazole or itraconazole.
Complications
It is possible for a person to spread the infection to other parts of his body as well as to other people he comes into contact with. People with ringworm are at an increased risk for bacterial skin infections and can develop an inflammation of the skin. The National Institutes of Health explains that people also might develop side effects from the medications used to treat the fungal infection.
