Ringworm is a fungal infection showing as itchy, red, scaly, slightly raised, expanding rings on the trunk, face or groin area. An infection caused by a fungus (not a worm or a parasite). It is extremely contagious and spreads quickly. The most common symptoms are red, itchy, swollen skin in the shape of a ring. The skin in the center of the ring usually appears healthy.

The medical term for ringworm is "tinea." (Tinea gets us back to worms. Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.) Doctors add another word to indicate where the fungus is located. Tinea capitis, for instance, refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet, and so on.

To catch ringworm, you have to be exposed to it and you have to be susceptible. Some people are much more susceptible than others. Those with eczema or other skin problems get ringworm more easily because the protective barrier of the skin's outer layer is less intact. Children are more susceptible before puberty. Boys get it more easily than girls.

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.

People will sometimes pick up a case of Ringworm from their pet, but just because a pet has Ringworm does not necessarily mean that the people that interact with that pet will develop the problem. A dog or cat can transmit Ringworm to a person without showing any symptoms at all.

Ringworm is widespread around the world and in the United States . The fungus that causes scalp Ringworm lives in humans and animals . The fungus that causes Ringworm of the body lives in humans, animals, and soil . The fungi that cause Ringworm of the foot and Ringworm of the nails live only in humans.

To avoid ringworm infection, avoid contact with suspicious lesions, wear loose-fitting clothes, avoid sharing clothes, and after showering, dry off completely. Examine all family members for signs of tinea as reinfection may occur.

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is primarily caused by Trichophyton. Scalp ringworm is highly contagious and is common among children, especially black children. It may produce a pink scaly rash that may be somewhat itchy, or it may produce a patch of hair loss without a rash. Less commonly it can cause a painful, inflamed, swollen patch on the scalp that sometimes oozes pus. A kerion is caused by an allergic reaction to the fungus.

Nails with ringworm may become thick and discoloured, and will sometimes start to crumble.

Children are most likely to get ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp can spread from child to child when children share hats, combs, or brushes. Ringworm of the body can be spread on towels, clothing, or sports equipment. Personal hygiene is important in preventing the spread of ringworm. Dogs and cats can be infected with ringworm, too, and they can pass it to people through direct contact.

Although unsightly, ringworm usually isn't serious, except potentially for people with weak immune systems. Treatment usually consists of antifungal medications that you apply to your skin.