Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect skin on your body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete’s foot).

Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.

Causes

Ringworm is a common skin disorder, especially among children, but it may affect people of all ages. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails.

Ringworm is contagious. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus. The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Symptoms

The symptoms of ringworm include:

Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. Your skin may also appear unusually dark or light.

If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

Your doctor will diagnose ringworm primarily based on the appearance of the skin. If tests are needed, the fungus may appear florescent when your skin is examined with a blue light (called a Wood’s lamp) in a dark room. Treatment

Keep your skin clean and dry.

Apply over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, lotions, or creams. Infected pets also should be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Skin medication is usually successful at treating Ringworm within 4 weeks. If your ringworm infection is severe or resistant (meaning that it does not respond well to self-care), it will usually respond quickly to antifungal pills.

Bacterial skin infections

Contact dermatitis or other skin disorders

Side effects from medications

Call your doctor if:

Ringworm infects your scalp or beard.

Your skin does not improve after 4 weeks of self-care.

Prevention

To prevent ringworm:

Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.

Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear, or other personal care items. Avoid touching pets with bald spots.

Alternative Names

Dermatophytid; Tinea