Ringworm is not a worm at all, but a superficial fungal infection. Also known as tinea infections, ringworm is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. They parasitize the skin (the epidermis), the hair shaft and nails by attacking the keratin (the protein that makes up the outer portion of these sites). The three main sources of infection of ringworm are other people (or items an infected person used like a comb), from animals and from the soil. Ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the part of the body infected.
Symptoms of the skin
A rash is a common symptom with a variety of ringworm infections. The typical lesion is a red, scaly, circular rash often with some central clearing. The rash may also be raised on the borders and be very itchy. In cases of ringworm in areas where there is hair, the loss of that hair is common. When the rash is found on the trunk of the body or the limbs, it is called tinea corporis. When it is found in the groin, it is known as jock itch. Jock itch is a very rare condition in females.
Symptoms of the feet
Also known as athlete's foot of tinea pedis, this is a very common particularly in teens and young males. The symptoms include scaling of the feet, whitening of the skin between the toes and occasionally blistering. There may be itching and pain and occasionally in more severe cases, cracking or peeling of the affected areas. This erosion of the skin from blistering or cracking can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
Symptoms of the nails
These symptoms affect the nails of the fingers and toes, with the toe nails more commonly infected. The affected nails can become thickened and opaque. A yellowing of the nails is also a common symptom of ringworm infection (tinea unguium).
Symptoms of the hair
In cases of scalp ringworm or tinea capitis, there is typically severe hair loss in the affected area. The patches of hair loss may be inflamed and painful. They may occasionally produce pus. Hair tends to become brittle and break very easily at the scalp level. The hair loss may be permanent. The ringworm lesion can be very itchy and can form yellow crusts and any hair present appear matted.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center-Dermatology
- "Manson's Tropical Diseases", Gordon Cook, M.D., 1996
