Ringworm (tinea) infections are caused by a fungus, not a worm as the name implies. Tinea infections are highly contagious and often affect children who attend school or daycare, where infection can spread quickly from one child to the next. Pets that are infected with ringworm can pass it to children and adults through direct contact. Characterized by a red, ring-like rash, ringworm infections can occur throughout the body.
Types of Ringworm
Tinea infections can occur in different areas of the body, such as the feet and groin, and can affect children of all ages. Tinea pedis affects the feet, commonly known as 'athletes foot', while tinea cruris causes fungal infections of the groin (jock itch). Tinea capitus affects the scalp, while tinea unguium and tinea corporis affect the finger and toenails, and skin.
Signs and Symptoms
Ringworm most notably causes itchy, red, circular patches on the arms, legs, trunk or face. The patches are pale in the center and have slightly raised edges. Infections of the feet can cause red, dry, cracked skin between the toes and bottom of the feet, which itches and burns. Infections of the fingernails and toenails cause thickened nails that may appear yellow in color. Groin infections cause red, circular patches in the inner groin, while scalp infections cause red, scaly patches of dry, itchy skin and may cause hair loss. Children suffering from fungal scalp infections may also have a rash elsewhere on the body.
Diagnosis
Simple appearance of a ringworm rash may be diagnosis enough for a physician to prescribe treatment, due to the unique characteristics of the ring-like rash. However, a small skin scraping may be taken from the site of the rash for culture if a more positive identification is needed.
Treatment
Topical anti-fungal creams are generally prescribed to treat ringworm infections of the skin, while oral anti-fungal medications are often needed for infections of the fingernails, toenails and scalp. Ringworm is highly infectious and can be difficult to treat, so frequent follow-up with a physician and additional treatments may be needed to completely clear the infection.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing ringworm infections can be difficult because the fungus is easily passed between people, pets and surfaces. Ensuring that pets have been treated for ringworm if needed, and talking to school or daycare providers about ringworm prevention measures in the instance of an outbreak, can help. Family members should not share clothing, towels, brushes or personal items during infection, as it can be spread between members of the household.
