Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, dermatophyte infection, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin.
“Ringworm” is a misnomer, since a fungus, not a worm, causes the infection. The lesion caused by this infection resembles a worm in the shape of a ring — hence the name. Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis (ringworm of the body), although it can sometimes be used to describe tinea infection in other locations, such as tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin). The infection initially appears as red patches on affected areas of the skin and later may spread to other parts of the body. It may affect the scalp, feet, nails, groin, beard, or other areas. Recognizing ringworm symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on where you’re infected. With a skin infection, you may experience the following:
red, itchy, or scaly patches, or raised areas of skin called plaques
patches that develop blisters or pustules
patches that may be redder on the outside edges or resemble a ring
patches with edges that are defined and raised
If you’re experiencing dermatophytosis in your nails, they may become thicker or discolored, or they may begin to crack. This is called dermatophytic onychomycosis, or tinea unguium. If your scalp is affected, the hair around it may break or fall off, and bald patches may develop. The medical term for this is tinea capitis.
