Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a fungal infection that causes a rash. It usually appears as an itchy, circular rash with healthy skin in the centre. Ringworm gets its name from the way it looks. There is no worm involved. Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm of the scalp are all related to ringworm of the body (tinea capitis). Ringworm is frequently transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Mild ringworm frequently responds to topical antifungal medications. You may need to start taking antifungal pills for several weeks if you have a more severe infection.
What Causes Ringworm?
Ringworm is extremely contagious. It can be caught in any of the following ways:
- From someone else. Ringworm is frequently transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
- From your animals. Grooming or rubbing Sparky? When you’re finished, wash your hands. It is also common in cows.
- By interacting with objects. Ringworm fungus can linger on surfaces, clothing, towels, and combs and brushes.
- From the ground. You can get ringworm if you work or stand barefoot in soil infected with the fungus that causes it.
Body
The term “ringworm” most commonly refers to tinea corporis, or body ringworm. This form frequently manifests as patches with the distinctive round ring shape on your torso or limbs.
Scalp
Ringworm of the scalp, also known as tinea capitis, frequently begins as isolated scaling in the scalp and progresses to itchy, scaly bald patches. It is most prevalent in children. Hair may break or fall out around the affected area, and bald patches may form.
Beard
Ringworm of the beard, also known as tinea barbae, affects your cheeks, chin, and upper neck, causing bald patches. This could appear to be acne, folliculitis, or another skin condition. Some people report fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
Hands
Ringworm of the hand, also known as tinea manuum, is typically caused by touching another infected area, such as the groyne or foot. Infection of the hand can manifest as extremely dry skin with deep cracks on the palm.
If the infection spreads, ring-shaped patches on the back of your hand may appear.
Tinea cruris, also known as groyne jock itch, is a ringworm infection of the skin around the groyne, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is most prevalent in men and adolescent boys.
This usually begins as an itchy red, brown, or grey rash where your leg meets your body. Itching may worsen after exercise and may not improve despite the use of anti-itch cream.
Identifying Ringworm Symptoms
Symptoms differ depending on the location of the infection. You may experience the following symptoms if you have a skin infection:
- Itching itchy or scaly patches of red, brown, or grey skin, or raised areas of skin known as plaques
- a flat, round patch of itchy skin that develops blisters or pustules
- patches that resemble a ring with deeper colour on the outside patches with defined and raised edges that overlap hair loss in rings
- Depending on which part of the body is affected, ringworm can take on a variety of appearances. Ringworm is given different names by doctors depending on where it appears on the body.
How do dermatologists determine the presence of ringworm?
By looking at the infected area, a dermatologist can often tell if you have ringworm. Other parts of your body may be examined by your dermatologist as well. Athlete’s foot and ringworm are common on one or both hands. The infection can sometimes spread to one or more nails. Your dermatologist may send a sample of the infected skin, hair, or nail to a laboratory before making a diagnosis. It is simple to collect a sample. If you have a ringworm, your dermatologist will scrape away some of the infected skin. If you have a ringworm on your scalp or beard, your dermatologist may recommend that you have some hair removed.
Conclusion
Ringworm isn’t a type of worm. It’s a skin infection caused by mould like fungi that live on your skin’s, hair’s, and nails’ dead tissues. It’s available in any of these locations, as well as on your scalp. It’s known as an athlete’s foot when it gets between your toes. It’s called jock itch if it spreads to your groyne. A red, scaly patch or bump that itches is the telltale sign. The bump gradually transforms into a ring- or circle-shaped patch. It has the potential to split into several rings. The patch’s interior is usually clear or scaly. The exterior may be slightly raised and bumpy.