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Ringworm

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Illustrations

Dermatitis, reaction to tinea
Dermatitis, reaction to tinea
Ringworm, tinea corporis on an infant's leg
Ringworm, tinea corporis on an infant's leg
Ringworm, tinea capitis - close-up
Ringworm, tinea capitis - close-up
Ringworm, tinea on the hand and leg
Ringworm, tinea on the hand and leg
Ringworm, tinea manuum on the finger
Ringworm, tinea manuum on the finger
Ringworm, tinea corporis on the leg
Ringworm, tinea corporis on the leg
Tinea (ringworm)
Tinea (ringworm)

Alternative Names    Return to top

Dermatophytid; Tinea

Definition    Return to top

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect skin on your body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot).

Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.

Causes    Return to top

Ringworm is a common skin disorder, especially among children, but it may affect people of all ages. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is caused by a fungus, not a worm.

Many bacteria and fungi live on your body. Some of these are useful to you and your body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails.

Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus. Cats are common carriers.

The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Ringworm is more likely when you have frequent wetness (such as from sweating) and minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.

Symptoms    Return to top

The symptoms of ringworm include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Your doctor will diagnose ringworm primarily based on the appearance of the skin. If tests are needed, the fungus may appear florescent when your skin is examined with a blue light (called a Wood's lamp) in a dark room. A more definitive diagnosis can be made by scraping the affected area of skin and examining the cells under a microscope.

Treatment    Return to top

Ringworm usually responds well to self-care within 4 weeks without having to see a doctor.

A severe or persistent infection may require treatment by a doctor. Antifungal pills may be given and are necessary if your hair is infected. Prescription antifungal skin medications, such as ketoconazole, are stronger than over-the-counter products and may be needed. Antibiotics may also be needed to treat related bacterial infections.

Infected pets also should be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Skin medication is usually successful at treating Ringworm within 4 weeks. If your ringworm infection is severe or resistant (meaning that it does not respond well to self-care), it will usually respond quickly to antifungal pills.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a bacterial infection, which can result from scratching. These signs include swelling, warmth to the touch, sudden worsening in redness of the patches, red streaking, pus, discharge, and fever.

Call your doctor if:

Prevention    Return to top

To prevent ringworm:

References    Return to top

Weinstein A. Topical treatment of common superficial tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 2002; 65(10): 2095-2102.

Gupta AK. Treatments of tinea pedis. Dermatol Clin. 2003; 21(3): 431-462.

Pratte M. Common skin conditions in athletes. Clin Fam Pract. 2003; 5(3): 653.

Update Date: 5/1/2007

Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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