Ringworm is a skin and scalp disease caused by several different kinds of fungi. Ringworm on the scalp usually makes a bald patch of scaly skin. People with ringworm on other parts of their skin can have a ring-shaped rash that is reddish and may be itchy. The rash can be dry and scaly or wet and crusty.

The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The early belief was that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. It is a result of a fungus infection. Nevertheless, the name "ringworm" has stuck. Some of these fungi produce round spots, but many do not. On the other hand, many round spots are not from fungus. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions.

Anyone can get Ringworm. Scalp Ringworm often strikes young children; outbreaks have been recognized in schools, day-care centers, and infant nurseries. School athletes are at risk for scalp Ringworm, Ringworm of the body, and foot Ringworm; there have been outbreaks among high school wrestling teams. Children with young pets are at increased risk for Ringworm of the body.

A child usually gets ringworm from another infected person, so it's important to encourage your child to avoid sharing combs, brushes, pillows, and hats with others.

Ringworm (or tinea corporis) is a common fungal infection resulting from dermatophytes, which are microscopic organisms that live on the dead outer layer of skin. Ringworm can affect anyone at anytime. The estimated lifetime risk of developing any superficial fungal infection is 20%-30%. If you live in a warm, humid climate, have direct contact with active lesions on someone else (or a pet), or have a weakened immune system (as a consequence of medical problems such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS), your risk for developing ringworm is higher.

Ringworm is not a worm. It is a general term for a common fungus infection of the skin. It is called ringworm because the infection often appears as a round shape or ring. The general medical name for these infections is 'tinea', though the full name depends on the location of the infection on the body. For example, ringworm on: the head, usually the scalp, is tinea capitis the body, tinea corporis the groin , tinea cruris the feet, tinea pedis (athlete's foot) the nails, tinea unguium the beard area, tinea barbae.

Ringworm of the skin starts as a red, scaly patch or bump. Ringworm tends to be very itchy and uncomfortable. Over time, it may begin to look like a ring or a series of rings with raised, bumpy, scaly borders (the center is often clear). This ring pattern gave ringworm its name, but not every person who's infected develops the rings.