Ringworm

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. It is known as ringworm because of the appearance of a skin rash in a circular pattern, shaped like a ring. The rash is usually red and itchy and can develop in different body parts. Ringworm infection can easily spread, so it is important to detect the condition early and provide prompt treatment. Treatment for ringworm involves antifungal topical creams, oral pills, and steroid lotions.  

To learn more about ringworms, their types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, keep reading!  

What is a Ringworm?

Ringworm, also known as tinea corporis, dermatophytosis, or dermatophyte infection, is a common fungal infection of the skin. The name may confuse you as being a misnomer since it is caused by a fungus and not by a worn. The scaly patches or lesions that form resemble a worm in the shape of a ring. 

Fungi thrive in warm or humid areas such as public showers, swimming areas, or locker rooms. Ringworm is highly infectious and contagious and may easily spread through close contact. You may get the infection from an infected person, animal, or object. Furthermore, ringworms are named based on the body part they affect.  

Types of Ringworm

Depending on the area in your body affected, ringworms are of several types. These include: 

Athlete's Foot

• The infection develops between your toes and on the soles of your feet.
• Also known as tinea pedis, it is characterized by red, itchy, burning skin rash.
• Your skin becomes smelly, scaly, cracked, or may develop painful blisters. 

Jock Itch

• This causes a red, itchy rash in your groin, upper thighs, or rectum. 
• It is also known as tinea cruris. 

Tinea Capitis

• This type of ringworm causes scaly, red, itchy bald spots on your scalp.
• If left untreated, the baldness can become permanent. 

Tinea manuum 

• Here, you may develop an infection in your hands.
• Dry, cracked palms and ring-like patches characterize it.  

Tinea Barbae

• Ringworm appears on the neck, chin, and cheeks, involving the beard. 
• The patches might become crusted or filled with pus.  

Tinea Unguium or Onychomycosis 

• This type of ringworm affects the nails of your toes, making them thick, discolored, or deformed.  

What Are the Stages of Ringworm?

You may not see ringworm symptoms right away. It can take up to 3 weeks before you notice any symptoms. The stages of ringworm include: 

Initial Stage

• In this stage, you may notice a discolored, irritated skin patch. 
• The skin may just appear dry and scaly, not necessarily like a ringworm. 

Second Stage 

• During this stage, the lesion begins to grow in size. 
• The center of the rash may resemble healthy skin with a scaly surrounding area.  

What Causes Ringworm?

Ringworm is always caused by a fungus that naturally lives on your skin, hair, and nails. But when the environment around them gets hot and damp, the fungi begin to grow uncontrollably, causing infection. 

Risk Factors

Ringworms can affect anyone, irrespective of their age and gender. But you are more at risk for ringworm if you: 

• Have a weak and compromised immune system
• Suffer from an autoimmune condition like lupus
• Actively participate in high-contact sports such as wrestling (tinea gladiatorum)
• Sweat profusely 
• Often use public locker rooms or public showers
• Work closely with infected animals 
• Have diabetes
• Have obesity (being overweight)
• Go barefoot in public pools and showers 

What Are the Symptoms of Ringworm?

Signs and symptoms of ringworm may differ from one person to another. Common symptoms include: 

• A scaly ring-shaped patch typically on the arms, buttocks, trunk, and legs
• Itchiness 
• A clear or scaly area inside the ring where the color may change from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown, or gray on brown skin
• Patches with defined edges that are slightly raised
• A round, flat patch of itchy skin
• Overlapping rings 
• Hair loss 
• Patches may develop blisters or pustules.  

Is Ringworm Contagious?

Ringworm is considered to be a highly infectious and contagious skin infection. Ringworm can spread through: 

• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• Contact with an infected animal or dog, cat, or livestock
• Contact with a contaminated surface, such as the locker room floor or gym areas
• Sharing personal objects with an infected person, such as towels, brushes, or comb
• Contaminated soil  

How is Ringworm Diagnosed?

Your doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) can easily identify the patch after examining your skin. The doctor may usually use a black light to view the affected area. The fungus may flow under the black light (fluorescence glow).  

Additionally, your doctor may conduct a few tests to confirm the diagnosis: 

Skin Biopsy or Fungal Culture

Your doctor will extract a sample of your skin or discharge from a blister and send it to a lab to test for the presence of fungus.  

KOH Exam

Your doctor will scrape off a small area of the affected skin onto a slide and place drops of potassium hydroxide (KOH) on it. This chemical breaks apart the skin, exposing the fungal elements that are easily visible under a microscope. 

How is Ringworm Treated?

Your doctor may recommend prescription antifungals to treat ringworm.  

Antifungal Creams and Powders

Mild forms of ringworm can be managed through topical creams and powders. Some examples include: 

• Clotrimazole 
• Miconazole  

Oral Medication

Your doctor may recommend oral pills to treat severe forms of ringworm or topical medicines if they fail. Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months. Some examples include:

• Fluconazole
• Griseofulvin 
• Itraconazole  

Antifungal Shampoos 

These are typically used to prevent the spread of scalp ringworm. Though they may not cure the condition, they can help contain the infection.

How Can You Prevent Ringworm?

You can adopt certain preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing ringworm. These include: 

• Wearing shower shoes at the pool and in public locker rooms.
• Changing socks and undergarments daily or more frequently if they get soiled
• Showering immediately after contacting sports
• Drying your skin thoroughly after showering 
• Avoiding sharing personal belongings with anyone 
• Washing clothes, bedsheets, and towels in hot water 
• Treating infected pets
• Washing your hands after handling animals  

Summary

Ringworm can be unpleasant. Itchy and scaly ring-shaped patches can negatively impact your quality of life and sleep. Caused by a fungus, ringworm is highly contagious and can easily spread. Several types of ringworm can develop depending on the area of occurrence. Treatment may include antifungal medications in the form of topical creams, powders, shampoos, or oral pills. 

Consult your doctor if you notice any scaly ring-like patches for further evaluation and management.