Ringworm is a common fungal infection that is highly contagious which is found on the skin and scalp. This infection is seen in every living organisms including humans, plants, and animals. This infection causes red, rough and itchy patches on the skin surfaces, which later spread to other body parts. These patches begin to ooze and develop into blisters. Ringworm has also been known to affect the scalp, groin, feet, beard and other areas of the skin. As the name suggests, ringworm is not caused by parasitic worms as they are caused by fungus species. These fungi grow well in the moist environment such as showers, bathroom floors and walls, swimming pools and also in between the skin folds. The vectors for such fungi include pets ( for instance cats and dogs). Hence, it would be better to keep them away from such surroundings. There are multiple forms of ringworm fungi, which affect different body parts. Ringworm is also known by names like Dermatophytosis or Tinea.
Symptoms of Ringworm
The symptoms vary depending upon the site of infection. Here are the general symptoms of ringworm:
- Red, scaly, itchy, with raised patches.
- Patches that develop blisters or begin to ooze.
- Redder patches which resemble a ring-like structure.
- Pus-filled raised blisters
- Athlete’s foot.
- Infection in areas like groin, inner thighs, beard, hands, scalp and in between the fingernails and toenails.