Ringworm is a fungal infection found on the surface of the skin. The infection can affect the body or target specific areas such as the scalp, groin area (jock itch) or feet (athlete's foot). Ringworm is not associated with a parasite or worm. The fungal condition is named after the signature red ring that's found on the skin. The ring is red and circular in shape, with healthy skin remaining in the center. Several rings may be found on the skin at one time. Ringworm is highly contagious. The fungus is passed with direct skin-to-skin contact, or by touching a contaminated object. Testing and diagnosing ringworm should be conducted by a trained medical professional.
Step 1
Make an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist if you suspect ringworm. Be prepared to answer several questions about your skin condition--including when symptoms first appeared, a description of symptoms and if anything helps relieve the symptoms. The doctor may ask if the ringworm is itching or uncomfortable. Tell the doctor if a pet, family member or close friend has been diagnosed with ringworm recently.
Step 2
Be prepared to give a skin sample of the infected area. The doctor scrapes the skin showing signs of ringworm. Remember, not all ringworm infections will form a ring, and the infection could also be psoriasis or another skin disorder. The doctor or lab technician looks under the microscope to determine if a fungus is present. Isolating the fungus and allowing the sample to grow confirms a fungi infection. But it can take several days for a firm diagnosis.
Step 3
Allow a second test to confirm ringworm, the Wood's lamp examination. Sit in a dark room and allow the health provider to examine the skin using ultraviolet light. Shining the light onto the skin, approximately four to five inches from the surface, skin infected with ringworm becomes highlighted.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not wash the skin before the Wood's lamp examination to avoid false readings. If a person is diagnosed with ringworm, there's a good chance the infection was transmitted by a pet--even if the pet shows no signs and symptoms. Have the pet examined by a veterinarian.
- During the Wood's lamp examination, never look into the light.
