Ringworm is a rash caused by a fungal infection in the skin.
It appears as a pink, red or brown patch on the skin with well-defined borders that are often raised. It can appear dry and flakey, scaly, or even crusty with oozing.
Typically it is itchy, and a person may have multiple areas on the body involved. Though the fungus prefers a warm, moist site (athlete’s foot and the groin (so-called jock itch), any area on the body or scalp can be involved. Ringworm more commonly affects children, but adults can be susceptible too. It may be spread from person to person through direct contact, but objects, clothing, or contaminated surfaces can also transfer it. In fact, even infected house pets may transmit ringworm to their handlers. Pets with round areas of hair loss should be evaluated by a veterinarian for possible ringworm. If left untreated, ringworm will often persist and spread fon an individual’s skin. It is contagious with skin to skin contact.
Treatment of ringworm may include topical or oral medications, as well as precautions to limit its spread and recurrence.
