Ringworm Information

Treat

Ringworm

Naturally

Ringworm (Tinea

Fungus

)

Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is a contagious fungal infection of the skin.

Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm.

Ringworm is very common, especially among children, and may be spread

by skin-to-skin contact, as well as via contact with contaminated items such

as hairbrushes. Ringworm spreads readily, as those infected are contagious

even before they show symptoms of the disease. Participants in contact sports

such as wrestling have a risk of contracting the fungal infection through

skin-to-skin contact.

Tinea capitis Ringworm is also a common infection in domestic animals, especially

cattle and cats. Humans can contract ringworm from animals; cats, cattle and dogs

are common sources owing to close association with humans.

A Number of Different

Species

of Fungi Cause Ringworm

A number of different species of fungi cause ringworm. Dermatophytes of the genera

Trichophyton and Microsporum are the most common causative agents. These fungi

attack various parts of the body and lead to the following conditions:

How Can I Identify

Ringworm?

The best known sign of ringworm in people is the appearance of one or more

red raised itchy patches with defined edges, not unlike the herald rash of

Pityriasis rosea. These patches are often lighter in the center, taking on the

appearance of a ring. If the infected area involves the scalp or beard area,

then bald patches may become evident. The affected area may become itchy

for periods of time. If the nails are affected, they may thicken, discolor, and

finally crumble and fall off.

Doctors can diagnose ringworm on sight, or they may take a skin scraping, or in the

case of animal ringworm or tinea capitis, examine plucked hairs for fungal elements.

This is examined under a microscope, or put on an agar plate in a microbiology

laboratory and allowed to grow.

In domestic animals, ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms, but most cases

show scaling and patches of hair loss. Some cats can be carriers, but show

no symptoms.

For more information about Ringworm or FungR