What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a type of skin infection caused by a type of fungi called dermatophytes which live off of keratin, a tissue found in most parts of your body including your skin, nails and hair.
Ringworm is highly contagious and is easily spread among people, through direct skin contact and by sharing objects such as towels, hairbrushes and bedding.
Pets such as dogs and cats can have ringworm and can pass it on to people they come into contact with.
Ringworm has different names for when it appears on different parts of the body. It is known as fungal nail infections when it affects the nails, athlete’s foot when it affects the feet, and jock itch when it affects the groin.
How common is Ringworm?
Ringworm is very common. It's estimated that 10%-20% of people will have a fungal skin infection at some point during their lifetime, although children are more likely to suffer from the condition.
What are the symptoms of Ringworm?
Ringworm looks like a round, red or silvery patch of skin which may be scaly or itchy, and can become raised and blistered.
Scalp ringworm causes scaly skin on the scalp, patchy hair loss, and itchy scalp, small pus filled sores and crusting. Body ringworm causes the red ring rash, itchiness and blisters. Athlete’s foot causes an itchy, dry, red and flaky rash usually between the toes. Groin ringworm causes red-brown sores, blisters, itchiness and redness, and scaly and flaky skin.
How is Ringworm treated?
Ring worm is treated in different ways depending on the type and severity, but are usually treated with antifungal cream, shampoo or medicine.
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