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Ringworm

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Dermatophytid; Tinea

Symptoms:

The symptoms of ringworm include:

• Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply-defined edges. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. This may create the appearance of a ring. Your skin may also appear unusually dark or light.
• When your scalp or beard is infected, you will have bald patches.
• If nails are infected, they become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

Signs and tests:

Your doctor will diagnose ringworm primarily based on the appearance of the skin. If tests are needed, the fungus may appear florescent when your skin is examined with a blue light (called a Wood's lamp ) in a dark room. A more definitive diagnosis can be made by scraping the affected area of skin and examining the cells under a microscope.

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.

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