Ringworm, despite the name, is caused by a fungus from the tinea family and not by a worm. Tinea infections can be contracted from animals infected with the fungus or the environment. Ringworm is highly contagious and passes easily from person to person, especially among children and can affect multiple areas of the body. Ringworm infections can be readily identified by a physician and treated effectively with anti-fungal cream or oral medication.
Skin
Ringworm can affect skin anywhere on the body, including between the fingers and toes and the scalp. Ringworm infection causes a notable ring-shaped rash which has a reddened, raised outline and pale, skin-colored center. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that ringworm rashes may itch and ooze fluid as well.
Tinea infections can also affect the feet, causing whitening of the skin, peeling and blisters between the toes along with irritated, itchy skin. Infections of the groin (jock itch) include a red, itchy ring-like rash area with a raised edge and pale center. Topical anti-fungal treatments are used to clear ringworm infections, which may require several treatments, depending on the severity of the infection.
Nails
Fingernails can become infected with ringworm fungus, called tinea unguium. Nails become thickened and turn yellow, often taking on a yellow color at the end of the nail. Toenails are more susceptible to tinea unguium infection than fingernails, though both can become painful to the touch if afflicted. Nails with severe infection will begin to peel and crumble. Oral anti-fungal medications are used to treat ringworm of the nail, though heavily thickened nails may need to be trimmed or removed to eliminate the infection.
Scalp
Tinea capitis is a ringworm infection of the scalp. Symptoms include the classic, red circular rash with raised edges and pale center; however, skin around the rash may develop scales and flake away. Hair loss may also occur around the area of the tinea infection. According to the University of Virginia, ringworm of the scalp can develop into larger lesions, often painful and weeping, called kerion. Tinea of the scalp is highly contagious and requires immediate treatment to prevent infecting others. Treatments for ringworm of the scalp may require oral anti-fungal medication, as well as medicated shampoo to clear the fungal infection. Steroids are also used if a kerion lesion is present.
