Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with any kind of worm. Ringworm is a common type of fungal infection that spreads between people, pets, and shared objects. The name actually comes from the red, itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash that people with ringworm often experience. To help our readers better understand this condition and how it can be avoided, we wanted to discuss some common causes of ringworm.

Ringworm is very contagious and can be caused by different forms of physical contact. Fungi are made to thrive in areas that are especially warm and humid, including locker rooms and public showers. In the case of ringworm, the fungal infection is caused by mold-like parasites that exist on the outer layer of your skin. Ringworm is spread through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or object (including floors and other surfaces).

There are different types of ringworm infections that can affect different parts of the body. This includes:

• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), which can cause an itchy, burning rash between the toes and on the soles of the feet, as well as scales, blisters, and unpleasant odors.
• Jock itch (tinea cruris), which can cause an itchy, red rash around the groin, upper thighs, or rectum.
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), which can cause scales, redness, itching, and bald patches on the scalp, which can grow and become permanent if not treated in a timely manner.
• Toenail or fingernail ringworm (tinea unguium or onychomycosis), which can cause the nails to become deformed, discolored, and unnaturally thick.
• Hand ringworm (tinea manuum), which can lead to dryness and cracking of the skin, as well as ring-like patches or scales.
• Beard ringworm (tinea barbae), which can appear around the neck, chin, and cheeks and cause crusty or pus-filled blemishes similar to acne.

Regardless of the type of ringworm that a person experiences, it’s important to see a dermatologist or physician assistant with experience diagnosing ringworm so the condition can be treated before it becomes more serious, or even causes long-term health consequences. If over-the-counter medications are not successful, our experts may recommend prescription-strength antifungal medications (oral or topical depending on the case).

Here at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants have decades of experience diagnosing and treating skin issues like ringworm. For more information on our selection of skin care services, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.