There are many types of ringworm related to the areas that they affect. We know about ringworm of the body also called tinea corporis, scalp ringworm also known as tinea capitis, feet ringworm or tinea pedis and groin ringworm also known as tinea cruris.



The symptoms may vary from one case to another but we have to mention the typical ringworm symptoms. For body ringworm, where the feet, the arms, the neck, the trunk and the face are affected, ringworm appears as a red round lesion and scaly borders. These infected areas are itchy in most of the cases.

Scalp ringworm or tinea capitis is defined by developing red, round and flat patches on the scalp and may cause a fragile hair that may lead to baldness. Sometimes scalp ringworm causes dandruff.

Tinea pedis also known as athlete's foot develops in the moist area between the toes. It causes an itchy, patchy rash with fissuring and scaling between the toes.

Groin ringworm is a problem that affects the genitals, inner upper thighs and buttocks. It is known as jock itch too.

The diagnosis is usually made after the appearance of the typical ringworm rash. Though, a microscope watch is recommended in cases of tinea capitis.

When seeing a doctor is recommended to tell him what treatment was applied on the rashes because after certain treatments the patches chance their form and appearance.

Antifungal lotions, especially creams, proved to be helpful in treating ringworm rashes. For all types of ringworm these creams are recommended. An exception is tinea capitis which is more difficult to treat and requires several months of oral medication.

Available lotions that might help treating ringworm are loprox, spectazole or oxistat.

There is some general information that are good to be known. Often ringworm is misdiagnosed because of its symptoms similar to numular eczema and pityriasis rosea. It is good to know that athlete's foot is unusual in children. More common in children is tinea capitis that might lead to outbreaks of ringworm in schools and other child care centers. The problems with treating scalp ringworm are caused by the fungi that became resistant to the treatment.