Ringworm

About Ringworm

Ringworm tinea is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes including Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species. Despite the name, it is not caused by a worm. The infection creates a characteristic ring shaped rash with a red, scaly, raised border and clear center. Types include tinea corporis body, tinea capitis scalp, tinea cruris jock itch groin, tinea pedis athletes foot, and tinea unguium nail infection onychomycosis. Ringworm is highly contagious, spreading through skin contact, contaminated surfaces locker rooms, pool decks, and infected animals cats, dogs. Symptoms vary by location but include itchy, red, scaly patches with raised borders and central clearing. Tinea capitis causes hair loss and is most common in children. Diagnosis can be made clinically, confirmed by KOH microscopy of skin scrapings showing hyphae, or fungal culture. Treatment depends on location and severity. Topical antifungals clotrimazole, terbinafine, miconazole work for most body and groin infections. Tinea capitis generally needs prescription oral antifungals such as griseofulvin or terbinafine. Nail infections are difficult to treat, often requiring prolonged courses of oral antifungals such as terbinafine or itraconazole prescribed by a clinician, and cure rates are well below 100 percent.