Important Information About Ringworm
Read about ringworm causes, symptoms, and treatment

Ringworm is a contagious fungus infection that affects the scalp, the body, the feet (athlete's foot), or the nails. People can get Ringworm from direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or pet, indirect contact with a contaminated object or surface that an infected person or pet has touched, or rarely, by contact with soil. Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing medicine.

To prevent Ringworm, make sure all infected persons and pets get appropriate treatment, do not share personal items, avoid contact with infected persons and pets, and keep common-use areas clean.
 
Ringworm Definition

Ringworm is a contagious fungus infection that can affect the scalp, the feet, the body, and the nails. Ringworm is caused by several different fungus organisms that all belong to a group called "Dermatophytes." Different Dermatophytes affect different parts of the body and cause the various types of Ringworm that occur on the scalp, nails, and other areas of the body.
 
Ringworm Locations

Ringworm is widespread around the world and 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, while the fungi that cause Ringworm of the foot and Ringworm of the nails live only in humans.
 
Ringworm Transmission

Ringworm is spread by either direct or indirect contact. Direct skin to skin contact with an infected person or pet could lead to Ringworm infection. Indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces that an infected animal or human has touched may also result in Ringworm. 

Signs and symptoms of Ringworm

Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple that becomes larger, leaving scaly, crusty areas and temporary baldness.

Ringworm of the body shows up as a flat, round patch anywhere on the skin except for the scalp and feet. As the rash gradually expands, its center clears to produce a ring. The area is sometimes itchy.

Ringworm of the foot is also called athlete's foot. It appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.

Ringworm of the nails causes the affected nails to become thicker, discolored, and brittle.
 
Symptoms of Ringworm appear four to ten days after initial contact on average, although it is difficult to assess with certain forms of Ringworm.
 
Ringworm Treatments

Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing medication, which can be in taken in tablet or liquid form by mouth or as a cream applied directly to the affected area.
  
Ringworm Prevention

Preventing ringworm, or at least minimizing the risk of Ringworm infection, is possible if you take a few simple steps. For example, keep common-use areas clean, especially in schools, day-care centers, gyms, and locker rooms. Disinfect sleeping mats and gym mats after each use. Also, do not share clothing, towels, hair brushes, or other personal items.