In actuality, a ringworm infection is not caused by a worm. However, for many people, the name “ringworm” may conjure up an image of a parasitic worm burrowing through the body’s tissues, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Instead, it is merely a common fungal infection that affects the skin.

Ringworm gets its name because the infection often causes a ring-shaped rash that some people think looks like a worm under the skin. There are different symptoms of the infection depending on the area of the body that is affected.

When ringworm infects the skin of the arms, legs, or chest – which is most common – it is known as ringworm of the body or tinea corporis (“corporis” is the Latin word for body). When ringworm affects the scalp, it is known as ringworm of the scalp or tinea capitis (“capitis” is the Latin word for head). While neither type of ringworm is a serious disease, both types can be painful and uncomfortable.

About Ringworm

Ringworm is one of a group of diseases called tinea infections. Tinea infections are fairly common diseases that affect an estimated 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population at any given time. They are caused by types of fungi called dermatophytes that grow on the surface of the body on skin, hair, or nails. These fungi are too small to be seen by the naked eye and thrive in warm, moist places like locker rooms and sweaty clothing.

People of all ages are equally susceptible to ringworm of the body. However, it is more likely to be found in warmer climates and during warmer weather because the fungi that causes the infection grows and multiplies faster in warmer temperatures.

Ringworm of the scalp is predominately found in children. School-aged children are particularly vulnerable as ringworm of the scalp is very contagious. Outbreaks are common in schools and daycare centers because of the number of children in close proximity to each other touching common objects like door handles and toys. Ringworm of the scalp is also common in overcrowded living conditions. This is again because there are a large number of people interacting in a small amount of space.

Getting Ringworm

In order to become infected with either type of ringworm, a person must first get the fungi that cause ringworm on his or her skin or scalp. This can happen by touching an infected area on someone else’s body. It can also happen by touching objects, such as clothing, towels, or combs, where the fungi are living. Touching an animal with ringworm can also cause the fungi to spread. Animals that can become infected with ringworm include dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, goats, pigs and horses.

Additionally, a person can get ringworm of the body by handling soil where the fungi are living. Becoming infected with ringworm by handling soil is rare, though, and only occurs when a person touches highly infected soil for a long period of time.

Once the fungi that cause ringworm are on the skin or on the scalp, they need a warm, moist environment in which to grow and multiply. Sweat can help to create this type of environment, so people who sweat more heavily are more susceptible to ringworm infections.

Having a weakened immune system also makes people more susceptible to developing a fungal infection like ringworm. When people’s immune systems are weakened (from diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS), they have more difficulty fighting against fungi. Their bodies’ defense systems are compromised and are not strong enough to kill the fungi that cause ringworm. As a result, these people are more at risk for developing the infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ringworm of the body and ringworm of the scalp differ from each other slightly.

Ringworm of the Body: The main symptom of ringworm of the body is the circular, ring-shaped rash on the skin that gives the infection its name. This rash is red and elevated around the edges, but looks normal and healthy in the middle. It can be painful and itchy. There may be only one ring-shaped patch of skin, or there may be a group of rings. It is also possible to have ringworm of the body without having this type of rash at all.

Other symptoms of ringworm of the body can include the following:

• A round, flat patch of skin that itches

 

• Itchy, red, scaly patches of skin that may blister and ooze fluid

 

• Unusually dark or light-colored areas of skin

Ringworm of the Scalp: Ringworm of the scalp can start as a small sore that resembles a pimple. Then, the infected area can become flaky, scaly, itchy, swollen, tender, and red. Other symptoms can include:

• Brittle or fragile hair that easily pulls out

 

• Hair loss and bald patches on the scalp

 

• A swollen, painful inflammation known as a kerion that can cause permanent scarring and hair loss if not treated

A doctor can usually diagnose ringworm just by looking at the appearance of the skin and the location of the infection on the body. However, the symptoms of ringworm can be similar to the symptoms of other skin infections, such as psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes the formation of silvery scales and dry, itchy, red patches of skin.

To be sure that an infection is ringworm, a doctor may take a sample of the infected skin cells or hair from the affected area of the scalp to examine under a microscope for the presence of fungi.

Ringworm of the body can typically be cured within four weeks by applying over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or ointments. To get rid of a body ringworm infection, it is also important to keep the infected area clean and dry and wash clothing, towels, and bed sheets frequently so that the fungi does not have the opportunity to re-infect the skin.

Ringworm infections that cover a large area of the body or do not respond to over-the-counter medications may need to be treated with prescription-strength antifungal creams, lotions, ointments, or oral medications.

In children, ringworm of the scalp is typically treated for six to eight weeks with an oral medication that is either swallowed or sprinkled on food. Ringworm of the scalp is also treated with oral medications in adults, but the time of treatment depends on the type of medication prescribed. Medicated shampoo and antifungal creams or ointments can also be applied to the infection in children and adults to prevent it from spreading.

Prevention

Preventing all types of ringworm can be challenging because the fungi that cause ringworm are common, and the infections are contagious even before there are any symptoms. Still, taking the following precautions can reduce one’s risk for developing ringworm:

• Keep skin clean and dry to decrease the growth of the fungi that cause ringworm

 

• Wash work-out clothes frequently, again to discourage the growth of ringworm-causing fungi

 

• Do not share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items to avoid spreading ringworm-causing fungi

 

• Avoid touching pets with bald spots because they may be infected with ringworm

 

• Avoid touching people who are infected with ringworm

 

• Wash hands frequently, especially after playing contact sports and touching pets

 

• Shampoo hair regularly, especially after hair cuts, because shared combs may be infected with ringworm-causing fungi

 

• Avoid excessive sweating because moisture provides an attractive environment for the fungi that cause ringworm to grow and multiply; ways to avoid excessive sweating include refraining from wearing tight clothing and also avoiding wearing thick clothing in hot, humid weather

Knowledge is Key to Prevention

The misconception that ringworm is caused by a worm illustrates the need for being informed about this type of infection. By knowing that ringworm is actually a fungal infection spread through contact with infected people, animals, objects, and soil, people can make an effort to prevent such contact. Being aware of the different types of ringworm and their varying symptoms will help people understand when they need to seek treatment. Fortunately, ringworm typically responds well to medication, but avoiding this uncomfortable and potentially painful infection is the most ideal circumstance.