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Ringworm is not actually a worm, but a spreading area of fungal dermatitis. Ringworm is passed on by direct skin contact or indirectly by touching contaminated articles, clothing and floors. While ringworm can be caught from animals, humans also have some species of ringworm that do not occur in animals at all. Different types of animals have different types of fungi that cause ringworm. If a specimen from the infected area is cultured in the laboratory, it is often possible to narrow down the source of infection to humans, cats and dogs, cattle, horses, pigs etc.
Ringworm can be found in different areas of the body (hair, skin and nails). The condition looks different depending where it is located-on the scalp, the nails, the body or the foot.
Ringworm of the skin (other than of the scalp, bearded areas and feet)
This appears as a flat, spreading, ring-shaped lesion. The outer edge is usually reddish. It often contains fluid or pus, but may also be dry and scaly or moist and crusted. The centre of the patch may appear to be healing.
Ringworm of the foot (commonly known as tinea or athlete's foot)
The characteristics of this common condition are scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes, or blisters containing a thin watery fluid.
Ringworm of the nail
This condition tends to be a long-term fungal disease. It is difficult to treat. It usually affects one or more nails of the hands or feet. The nail gradually thickens and becomes discoloured and brittle. Cheesy looking material forms beneath the nail, or the nail becomes chalky and disintegrates.
Ringworm of the scalp and beard
This condition begins as a small pimple. It spreads outward leaving fine scaly patches of temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. |
