What is Ringworm

Many people are asking - What is ringworm? You may also be one of those who doesn't know about ringworm. If you think that it is some kind of a worm which has ring like structure, then you are completely wrong my friend. The name is misleading, I know that. It was named like that because of the similarity of the infection to a worm. Also the shape is circular or ring like. Hence it was given the name ringworm. I will discuss about this widespread infection in a good detail so that you have a good knowledge about it.

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by small microscopic organisms known as dermatophytes. When you just get the infection, it will look like a small, red pimple. It will be continuously itching. After some time, like one or two days, it will grow in size. A worm like boundary will be formed in a circular fashion. The area inside will become clear. This is because the small dermatophytes feed on the dead cells of the affected area. As a result this area will be cleared.

Ringworm can occur on the head, limbs, groin, foot and nails. There are different names given to each one. You can find a short description of each of them here.

1) Ringworm on head (Scalp ringworm): This is also known as tinea capitis. It is most common in children.

2) Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). The ringworm which occurs on the hands, legs and face comes under tinea corporis.

3) Athlete's foot (ringworm of foot): When the ringworm occurs on the feet, usually in between the fingers, it is known as athlete's foot.

4) Ringworm on nails (tinea unguium ): You can also get ringworm on nails. Your nails will become brittle, whitish or yellowish if you get tinea unguium.

5) Ringworm of groin(tinea cruris ): This is also one of the most common types of ringworm which occurs due to unhygenic conditions and tight clothing.

Ringworm (or dermatophytosis or tinea) is a skin infection which looks like a circular patch, having worm like boundary. It itches continuously and should be treated as early as possible for quick results.