Skin fungus pictures ringworm. Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Fungal Skin Infections

04.09.202326.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common symptoms of ringworm. How does ringworm spread between people and animals. What are effective treatments for ringworm infections. How can you prevent getting ringworm. What are the different types of ringworm that affect various body parts.

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Understanding Ringworm: A Common Fungal Skin Infection

Ringworm, despite its misleading name, is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection of the skin. Medically known as dermatophytosis or tinea, this condition gets its common name from the characteristic ring-shaped lesions it produces on the skin. These circular patches typically appear red on lighter skin tones or brown-gray on darker skin.

Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, feet, hands, nails, groin, and beard area. The specific medical term used often depends on the location of the infection. For instance, tinea corporis refers to ringworm on the body, while tinea capitis denotes an infection on the scalp.

Identifying Ringworm: Key Symptoms and Characteristics

Recognizing the symptoms of ringworm is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The most common signs include:

Itchy, scaly patches on the skin
Round, flat patches of itchy skin
Raised areas of skin called plaques
Ring-shaped lesions with a deeper color on the outside
Defined and raised edges around affected areas
Overlapping rings in some cases
Hair loss in infected areas of the scalp or beard

How does ringworm manifest differently on various body parts? The appearance and symptoms can vary depending on the location:

Body (Tinea Corporis)

On the torso or limbs, ringworm often presents as round, ring-shaped patches.

Scalp (Tinea Capitis)

Scalp infections usually start as isolated scaling and can develop into itchy, scaly bald patches. This form is particularly common in children.

Beard (Tinea Barbae)

Affecting the cheeks, chin, and upper neck, this can cause bald patches and may be mistaken for acne or folliculitis.

Hands (Tinea Manuum)

Hand infections might resemble very dry skin with deep cracks on the palm or ring-shaped patches on the back of the hand.

Groin (Tinea Cruris or Jock Itch)

This typically begins as an itchy rash in the groin area, inner thighs, or buttocks. It’s more common in men and adolescent boys.

Feet (Tinea Pedis or Athlete’s Foot)

Starting as dry, scaly skin between the toes, it can spread to the sole and heel, causing itching, burning, and peeling.

Nails (Onychomycosis)

Nail infections can cause thickening, discoloration, and even separation of the nail from the nail bed.

The Culprits Behind Ringworm: Understanding the Causative Fungi

What causes ringworm infections? Approximately 40 different species of fungi can be responsible, primarily belonging to three genera:

Trichophyton
Microsporum
Epidermophyton

These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can live on the skin, surfaces, and even in soil as spores for extended periods. They spread through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated object.

Transmission and Risk Factors: How Ringworm Spreads

Understanding how ringworm spreads is key to prevention. The infection can be transmitted through:

Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal
Contact with contaminated objects like combs, brushes, or towels
Walking barefoot in areas where the fungus is present (e.g., locker rooms, public showers)
Close contact with farm animals or pets, particularly cats

Who is at higher risk for ringworm infections? Risk factors include:

Living in warm, humid climates
Participating in contact sports
Having a weakened immune system
Sharing personal items with others
Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing

Diagnosis and Treatment: Addressing Ringworm Effectively

How is ringworm diagnosed? While the characteristic appearance often suggests ringworm, definitive diagnosis may involve:

Visual examination of the affected area
Scraping of skin cells for microscopic examination
Wood’s lamp examination (for certain types of fungi)
Fungal culture in some cases

What are the treatment options for ringworm? The approach depends on the severity and location of the infection:

Topical Treatments

For mild to moderate cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or powders are often effective. These may include:

Clotrimazole
Miconazole
Terbinafine
Ketoconazole

Oral Medications

For more severe infections or those affecting the scalp or nails, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed, such as:

Griseofulvin
Terbinafine
Itraconazole
Fluconazole

How long does treatment typically last? Treatment duration can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity and location of the infection. It’s crucial to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Ringworm at Bay

Can ringworm be prevented? While it’s not always possible to avoid exposure, several strategies can reduce the risk of infection:

Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
Keep skin clean and dry, especially in warm, humid conditions
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms and pools
Don’t share personal items like clothing, towels, or grooming tools
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing
Regularly clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces
Check pets for signs of fungal infections and seek veterinary care if needed

What should you do if you suspect exposure to ringworm? If you’ve been in contact with someone who has ringworm or a potentially contaminated surface:

Wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water
Dry the area completely
Consider applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream as a preventive measure
Monitor the area for any signs of infection

Ringworm in Animals: A Zoonotic Concern

Can animals get ringworm, and can they transmit it to humans? Yes, ringworm is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between animals and humans. Many animals can be affected, including:

Cats (especially kittens)
Dogs
Cattle
Horses
Rabbits
Rodents

How does ringworm present in animals? In pets, ringworm often appears as circular areas of hair loss, sometimes with redness or scaling. However, some infected animals may not show any symptoms, making regular veterinary check-ups important.

What should pet owners do to prevent the spread of ringworm?

Regularly groom and inspect pets for signs of skin problems
Seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ringworm
Follow proper hygiene practices when handling animals, especially those with known infections
Regularly clean and disinfect pet bedding and living areas
Consider isolating infected pets during treatment to prevent spread to other animals or humans

Differentiating Ringworm from Other Skin Conditions

How can you distinguish ringworm from other similar-looking skin conditions? While ringworm has characteristic features, it can sometimes be confused with other dermatological issues. Here are some key differences:

Ringworm vs. Eczema

Eczema typically causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin but doesn’t usually form the distinct ring shape associated with ringworm. Eczema patches are often less defined and may ooze or crust over.

Ringworm vs. Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes thick, red patches with silvery scales. Unlike ringworm, these patches are often symmetrical and commonly appear on elbows, knees, and the lower back.

Ringworm vs. Pityriasis Rosea

This condition often starts with a single “herald patch” followed by smaller lesions. While it can resemble ringworm, pityriasis rosea typically follows a Christmas tree pattern on the back and resolves on its own.

Ringworm vs. Granuloma Annulare

This benign skin condition forms ring-shaped lesions similar to ringworm but is not caused by a fungus. The rings in granuloma annulare are often flesh-colored or pink and don’t typically scale or itch.

Given these similarities, professional diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. If you’re unsure about a skin condition, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist.

The Impact of Ringworm: Beyond the Skin

While ringworm is primarily a skin condition, its effects can extend beyond physical symptoms. What are some of the broader impacts of ringworm infections?

Psychological effects: The visible nature of ringworm can cause embarrassment or social discomfort, particularly in severe or prominent cases.
Disruption of daily activities: Infections in areas like the feet or hands can interfere with work, sports, or other regular activities.
Economic impact: Treatment costs, particularly for severe or recurring infections, can be significant.
Spread within communities: In close-contact environments like schools or sports teams, ringworm can spread rapidly if not properly managed.

How can these impacts be mitigated? Early detection, prompt treatment, and adherence to prevention strategies are key. Additionally, education about ringworm can help reduce stigma and promote better management of the condition.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Ringworm Treatment

What new developments are on the horizon for ringworm treatment and prevention? While current treatments are generally effective, ongoing research aims to improve management of fungal skin infections:

Novel antifungal agents: Researchers are exploring new compounds that may be more effective or have fewer side effects than existing medications.
Improved diagnostic tools: Rapid, accurate diagnostic tests could lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Vaccine development: While challenging, some researchers are investigating the possibility of vaccines against dermatophyte infections.
Natural remedies: Studies are examining the potential of various natural compounds in treating or preventing fungal skin infections.
Microbiome research: Understanding the role of the skin’s microbiome in preventing or promoting fungal infections could lead to new therapeutic approaches.

How might these developments change the landscape of ringworm treatment? Future advancements could potentially reduce treatment duration, improve efficacy, and even prevent infections in high-risk populations. However, it’s important to note that these are areas of ongoing research, and current best practices should be followed until new approaches are thoroughly tested and approved.

In conclusion, while ringworm is a common and often easily treatable condition, it requires attention and proper management. By understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and following prevention strategies, individuals can effectively reduce their risk of infection and spread. As research continues to advance our understanding of fungal skin infections, we can look forward to even better ways to prevent and treat ringworm in the future.

Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment, Diagnosis & More

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Body

The term “ringworm” is most commonly used to refer to tinea corporis, or ringworm of the body. This form often appears as patches with the characteristic round ring shape on your torso or limbs.

Scalp

Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, often starts as isolated scaling in the scalp that develops into itchy, scaly bald patches. It’s most common among children. Hair around the affected area may break or fall off, and bald patches may develop.

Beard

Ringworm of the beard, also called tinea barbae, affects your cheeks, chin, and upper neck and can cause bald patches. This may look like acne, folliculitis, or another skin condition. Some people experience fatigue or swollen lymph nodes.

Hands

Ringworm of the hand, or tinea manuum, is usually caused by touching another affected area, such as your groin or foot. Infection of the hand may look like very dry skin with deep cracks on the palm.

If the infection spreads, you may see ring-shaped patches on the back of your hand.

Groin

Jock itch, known as tinea cruris, refers to ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It’s most common in men and adolescent boys.

This usually starts as an itchy red, brown, or gray rash where your leg and body meet. The itching may intensify after exercise and may not improve after using anti-itch cream.

Feet

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is the common name for ringworm infection of the foot. It’s frequently seen in people who walk barefoot in public places where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

This starts as dry scaly skin between your toes that may spread to your sole and heel. Symptoms may include:

an itching, stinging, or burning sensation
blistering
peeling
a foul odor

Nails

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a ringworm infection of the nails. It affects toenails more than fingernails, as footwear often provides a moist, warm environment that fungi prefer.

Affected nails may become thicker or discolored. They may even begin to crack or lift away from your nail bed.

About 40 different species of fungus can cause ringworm. They are typically of the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton types.

These fungi can live on your skin and other surfaces, particularly damp areas. They may also live for an extended period of time as spores in soil.

The fungi can spread to humans in four ways:

Human to human. You can get the infection if you come in contact with a person who has ringworm or if you share personal items, such as combs or towels. The infection is commonly spread among children and by sharing items harboring the fungus.
Animal to human. You can get ringworm after touching an affected animal or even items the animal has come in contact with. Cats and dogs are common sources, but other animals, such as farm animals, can spread the fungi as well.
Object to human. You may get the infection if you come in contact with an object or surface that has it, such as a telephone or the floor of a public shower. These fungi thrive in damp environments.
Soil to human. Humans and animals can get ringworm after direct contact with soil that is carrying the fungi.

Anyone can get ringworm, but you may be more at risk if you:

live in a warm, humid environment or climate
participate in contact sports, like wrestling or football
use public showers or locker rooms
come in close contact with animals
wear tight shoes or clothes that chafe your skin
have diabetes
have obesity or are overweight
sweat excessively
have a weakened immune system

Your doctor will diagnose ringworm by examining your skin and possibly using a black light to view the affected area. Depending on the type of fungus, it may sometimes fluoresce (glow) under black light.

Your doctor may confirm a diagnosis of ringworm by requesting certain tests:

If you’re getting either a skin biopsy or fungal culture, your doctor will take a sample of your skin or discharge from a blister and send it to a lab to test for the presence of fungus.
If you’re getting a KOH exam, your doctor will scrape off a small area of affected skin onto a slide and place drops of a liquid called potassium hydroxide (KOH) on it. The KOH breaks apart typical skin cells, making the fungal elements easier to see under a microscope.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from flowers, herbs, and other plant types.

There is no scientific data, only anecdotal evidence, to support the routine use of essential oils in treating antifungal infections like ringworm.

You may want to discuss essential oils with your doctor before use and should not use them to replace conventional treatments.

Some of the essentials oils people use to treat ringworm include:

oregano oil
lemongrass oil
tea tree oil

These oils can be potent, so you will need to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before applying the mixture to your skin.

Mixing two or three oils together with a carrier oil may give you better results, but this is only anecdotal and not scientifically proven.

You won’t see ringworm right away when you first pick up the fungus. It can take up to 2 weeks before you start noticing symptoms. Some of the stages you may see include:

Initial stage. During this stage, you may notice a discolored, irritated patch of skin. Sometimes, it just appears very dry and scaly, not necessarily like ringworm.
Second stage. During this stage, you’ll notice the lesion starts to grow in size. The center of the rash may resemble healthy skin with a surrounding scaly area.

Because ringworm is so contagious, you’ll want to start treatment at the first signs of it. If you don’t, it may spread and grow.

Anyone can develop ringworm. However, the infection is very common among children and people who own cats or dogs. Both cats and dogs can get ringworm, and then pass it on to humans who touch them.

Signs to be aware of in pets include:

hairless patches of skin that appear circular
crusty or scaly patches
patches that may not be completely hairless but have brittle or broken hairs
opaque or whitish areas around the claws

If you suspect your pet has ringworm, bring them to your veterinarian for an examination.

You may be more likely to develop dermatophytosis if you come in contact with fungi while your skin is soft and wet from prolonged water exposure (macerated) or while you have minor skin injuries or abrasions.

Using a public shower or public pool may also expose you to the infectious fungi.

If you’re often barefoot, you may develop ringworm on your feet. Those who often share items such as hairbrushes or unwashed clothing also have an increased risk of developing the infection.

Ringworm can closely resemble another condition called nummular eczema. Doctors also call nummular eczema discoid eczema or nummular dermatitis as well.

The two conditions are similar because they both cause round or coin-shaped lesions on your skin. The lesions are often itchy and scaly.

A person with ringworm usually has fewer ring-like patches than a person who has nummular eczema. Also, nummular eczema usually doesn’t have a clearing (normal-appearing skin) in the center, while ringworm does.

Ringworm may also have pustules associated with it, while nummular eczema typically doesn’t.

Sometimes the two conditions look so much alike that the only way to tell the difference is to speak with your doctor. A doctor can take samples of the skin cells and send them to a laboratory for testing.

Doctors treat nummular eczema in different ways from ringworm. They use topical steroids, which if used for ringworm infections, can mask as well as worsen the infection. Antifungal ointments won’t help nummular eczema.

Learn more about the differences between the two and how to treat them.

Psoriasis is another skin condition that can sometimes resemble ringworm. Plaque psoriasis is a disorder due to immune dysfunction that produces inflammatory plaques on your skin.

On lighter skin, plaque psoriasis appears as pink plaques with heavy white scales. On darker skin, it appears as purple patches with gray scales.

Small isolated plaques can sometimes look similar to ringworm. Both ringworm and psoriasis can cause discolored patches of skin as well as itching and scaling.

However, ringworm on your torso or limbs will usually have a circular appearance with a clearing in the middle. It will also usually be an isolated spot or limited to only a few lesions.

Plaque psoriasis skin lesions are usually larger, involve more areas of your skin, and occur in distinct locations, like your lower back, elbows, and knees. Psoriasis lesions also don’t typically have a clearing in the middle.

The conditions have different underlying causes as well. A fungus causes ringworm, while a dysfunctional immune system causes psoriasis.

Find out how to identify ringworm and psoriasis.

If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other areas of your body. You may also risk spreading the infection to someone else. Other potential complications include:

hair loss and scarring
dark marks left on your skin, particularly on darker skin
nail deformities
secondary infection if any bacteria entered broken skin, which is common in children
Majocchi’s granuloma, a rare infection where the fungus has made its way to deeper layers of the skin

The complications of tinea capitis can be worrisome because it can produce life-long permanent hair loss. When considering these potential complications, it’s best to treat ringworm as quickly as possible.

Practicing healthy and hygienic behaviors can help prevent ringworm. Infections may come from contact with animals and lack of hygiene. Several tips to prevent ringworm include:

washing your hands after interacting with an animal
disinfecting and cleaning pet living areas
limiting contact with people or animals with ringworm if you have a weakened immune system
wearing shoes if showering or walking in community areas
not sharing personal items like clothing, towels, or hairbrushes with people who might have ringworm
changing your socks and underwear at least once a day
keeping your gear and uniform clean if you play sports
keeping your skin clean and dry

If you get ringworm during pregnancy, there are medications you can use to treat it that aren’t known to cause any problems to a baby.

Examples of these drugs, which are fine to use when applied topically, include:

ciclopirox (Loprox)
clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
naftifine (Naftin)
oxiconazole (Oxistat)
terbinafine

However, it’s always best to talk with your doctor before using any medications while pregnant.

Most medications can’t be properly studied in pregnant people due to the ethical implications of these studies. So it’s nearly impossible to say with full certainty that a medication, whether topical or oral, will be safe to use.

Doctors don’t usually recommend taking oral medications to treat fungal infections during pregnancy. Some oral medications that have the potential to cause known, unwanted side effects include oral ketoconazole and oral miconazole.

Regardless of the medication of choice, if you’re pregnant and have ringworm, it’s best to ask your doctor first before using any kind of medication or home remedy to treat your condition.

You should also talk with your doctor before using any medications if you are breastfeeding.

You can get ringworm from your dog. Dogs can pick up fungus spores from the environment, and the spores transfer to whatever the dog’s hair touches. Examples include:

bedding
carpeting
clothing
dog brushes
food bowls

Watch your dog regularly for signs of ringworm. They will usually have a loss of fur on their skin, often in a circular pattern. If you observe this, contact your dog’s veterinarian.

You should also wash your hands frequently after petting your dog to reduce the risk of infection whenever possible.

According to the American Kennel Club, cats are more prone to getting ringworm than dogs. They can pass the condition on to humans as well.

Like ringworm in dogs, if you spot ringworm in cats, call your veterinarian. They can prescribe antifungal treatments.

You should also wash your hands after petting your cat and try to clean all of the items they come in contact with, such as brushes and water bowls.

If you do get ringworm from your cat, you can treat it the same way as you would any fungal infection. This includes topical antifungals.

Skin medications may clear ringworm on your torso and limbs in 2 to 4 weeks.

If you’re experiencing severe dermatophytosis that isn’t responding to OTC treatments or home remedies, or if you suspect a tinea infection of your scalp or hair follicles, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills to clear up the infection.

Most people respond positively to treatment.