Ringworm is a fungal infection on the skin. The infection is highly contagious and transfers easily from a person or from a pet to person. Treating the fungus requires using antifungal creams, sprays or powders directly on the skin. The fungi enjoy warm and moist environments. According to Medline Plus, preventing the spread of the infection is important. Measures such as washing clothing and sheets daily helps. Symptoms vary, depending on the area of the body with the ringworm infection. Ringworm can affect the scalp, body, groin or feet.
Tinea Corporis
Ringworm of the body, also called tinea corporis, appears as a circular rash on the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the rash looks like an inflamed and reddened ring of skin that has normal skin in the middle. The rash itches and can appear on the trunk of the body, face, arms or legs. At times, the rash appears as a flat, round patch of itchy skin and doesn't have the classic ring shape.
Tinea Capitis
Ringworm infections on the scalp, or tinea capitis, don't have the same ring shape to the rash. Most often, the fungus causes patches of dry, scaly skin with broken-off hair or bald spots in the same area. According to the Mayo Clinic, the areas may appear red or gray and for people with dark hair, there may be black spots in the affected area. The patch of skin gets larger and is painful and itchy. According to Medline Plus, there may be sores filled with pus on the scalp.
Tinea Pedis
Ringworm on the feet, also called tinea pedis or athlete's foot, causes cracking and peeling skin. The area between the toes is the most commonly affected area, but the heels may have the fungus as well. The symptoms are also the same for ringworm between the fingers and on the palm of the hand. The skin may burn or sting and appear crusty with oozing blisters.
Tinea Cruris
A ringworm infection in the groin area, called tinea cruris or jock itch, affects the skin on the genitals, inner areas of the upper thigh and the buttocks. The warm, moist environment in this area of the body makes the fungus difficult to treat because of the ability to spread. According to Medline Plus, a ringworm infection in the groin causes itching. The affected areas of skin appear as redden, scaly patches of skin that may have areas of oozing blisters. The red areas may also have normal areas of skin in the center of the infection. Areas that are not reddened and scaly may appear darker or lighter than normal.
