Ringworm is caused by a type of fungus that eats keratin. These are called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes attack the skin, scalp, hair, and nails because those are the only parts of the body with enough keratin to attract them. Dermatophytes are microscopic spores that can survive on the surface of the skin for months. They can also survive in towels, combs, the soil, and other household objects.
They are very resilient. Dermatophyte spores spread in the following ways :. If a person or animal has the infection, they may deposit fungal spores on objects and surfaces when they touch them; anyone who touches those objects may become infected. Children usually show symptoms when they become infected, but many adults do not. The older an individual is, the more likely their immune system will protect them. However, they may still be a carrier.
The following risk factors either increase the chances of developing ringworm or make the symptoms worse:. On the body, patches grow slowly in size, and more patches can appear on other parts of the body. The center of the patch may clear, leaving a ring. If there are several rings, they may merge. Athletes foot tends to start between the toes before spreading to the bottom or sides of the feet, or both.
The skin between the toes can then turn white and become soft. Go to accessible site Close modal window. Don't need the accessible version of this site? Hide the accessibility button Close modal window. Accessibility View Close toolbar. RSS Feed. If you have ringworm, common symptoms include: A circular or ring-like rash that may be raised along the edges A rash that may be scaly, itchy, red, or burning Hair loss in the area where the rash has appeared The rash may develop several red, raised rings at once, some of which may overlap.
Sometimes the doctor will scrape off a small sample of the flaky infected skin to look at under a microscope or to test in a laboratory. Over-the-counter OTC antifungal creams, sprays, or powders may solve a mild infection. Ringworm on the nails or scalp usually is treated with medicine taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.
An antifungal shampoo prescribed by the doctor can help prevent the spread to other people. Use the medicine as long as is recommended, even if the rash seems to be getting better. If not, the infection can come back and spread to other parts of the body. Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp.
Reviewed by: Michelle P. Tellado, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Ringworm? What Causes Ringworm? Is Ringworm Contagious? Ringworm can spread: from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact, especially in warm, damp environments to other areas of the body if a person touches the affected area and then touches other body parts, such as the hands from animals to people How Do People Get Ringworm?
Treatment can cure a skin infection. Dermatology for Skin of Color. China, Mosby Elsevier, China, Cards 72, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, and Mosby Elsevier, Spain, Verma S and Heffernan MP. Is it ringworm? Ringworm infection on the skin A ringworm infection on the skin is indicated by roundish, flat patches that have a raised, scaly border. Ringworm infection between the toes Signs of a ringworm infection on the feet can be indicated by itching, burning, and stinging on your soles and between your toes.
Ringworm infection on the sole of foot Dry, scaly skin that usually begins between the toes can spread to the bottom of the feet, sides, or both. Ringworm infection on the hand Signs of a ringworm infection on the hands can be widespread, with dry skin and deep cracks on the palm.
Nails with ringworm infection Signs of a ringworm infection on the nails begins with thickening of the tissue under the nail. Ringworm infection on several nails A ringworm infection can infect several nails.
Groin with ringworm infection The first sign of a ringworm infection in the groin is a red brown or gray in dark skin rash with swelling and itch in the crease where the leg meets the body.
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