• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Ringworm

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect skin on your body ( tinea corporis ), scalp ( tinea capitis ), groin area ( tinea cruris , also called jock itch), or feet ( tinea pedis , also called athlete's foot).

Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once.

Alternative Names:

Dermatophytid; Tinea

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ringworm is a common skin disorder, especially among children, but it may affect people of all ages. Although its name suggests otherwise, it is caused by a fungus, not a worm.

Many bacteria and fungi live on your body. Some of these are useful to you and your body. Others can multiply rapidly and form infections. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails.

Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus. Cats are common carriers.

The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Ringworm is more likely when you have frequent wetness (such as from sweating) and minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.

References:

Weinstein A. Topical treatment of common superficial tinea infections. Am Fam Physician . 2002; 65(10): 2095-2102.

Gupta AK. Treatments of tinea pedis. Dermatol Clin . 2003; 21(3): 431-462.

Pratte M. Common skin conditions in athletes. Clin Fam Pract . 2003; 5(3): 653.

• Review Date: 5/1/2007
• Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.