Ringworm is an infectious problem that may affect anyone. In the beginning it occurs as a pimple that continues to enlarge developing a round and flat patch with a clear center just like a ring. That is why this infection is called ringworm. Even if the name is well given this problem was nothing to do with no worm.



There are known many types of ringworm: ringworm of the body that affects the arms, the legs, the trunk, the neck and the face, ringworm of the scalp that occurs mostly in children and appears as red patches that might cause baldness, athlete's foot which affects the moist areas between the toes and jock itch that is a form of ringworm that affects genitals, inner upper thighs and buttocks.

Ringworm of the body causes rashes on the chest, stomach, arms, legs or back. Body ringworm might form large and round patches with edges that might be dry and scaly or moist and crusted.

Ringworm of the face is an infection that leads to rashes on the face or the ears. The patches in these cases have not got very distinctive borders and may get worse if they are exposed to the sun.

Ringworm of the groin also known as jock itch affects the groin, skin folds, inner thighs or buttocks. In most of the cases the rash does not occur on the genital organs such as penis or scrotum. In these cases the rash has very distinctive edges and usually it is scaly or with bumps. Unlike other forms of ringworm this one might develop a red-brown center.

Many cases of jock itch and athlete's foot are known to develop together.

Ringworm of the hand might also be developed. It many cases it may be confused with an eczema. It occurs on the palm that is thickened, dry and scaly and it is kind of similar to athlete's foot while skin between fingers might be moist and have open sores. It may also occur in the back of the hand as a red patch with bumps on its edges.

Ringworm might be confused with other medical problems such as eczema or psoriasis.

Fold mild cases of ringworm it is not always necessary to seek for specialists. In these cases it is recommended to use antifungal lotions, creams or ointment. Many antifungal medicines are benefic to this kind of infection. Among them we mention clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine. Before applying the lotions it is necessary to wash and dry the affected areas. If the problem persists it is unavoidable to see a specialist.