Is It Ringworm?

Ringworm is an infection caused by fungus. It is very contagious and is easily passed between people through human contact or through contact with an object that is infected with ringworm. Ringworm can also be passed through soil. Ringworm is most commonly transmitted through pets with cats being large carriers of ringworm. Ringworm comes from a fungus and its scientific name is dermatophytes. What a fungus is called often depends on where it finds its host. A fungus that lives within a human’s skin is called ‘anthropophilic’ where as a fungus that lives within an animal’s skin is call ‘zoophilic’. There are types of fungi that live only in soil and these are referred to as ‘geophlic’ fungus. All three types of fungi produce spores that may infect humans, however a human’s immune response often does not react to anthrophilic fungus because they are so common in humans that they do not often spark a reaction. If a human has a skin reaction from an immune response to a dermatophyte, it is likely that this fungi is of the zoophilic or geophilic types.

One kind type of ringworm infection can cause red, irritable patches in to appear on someone’s scalp. These patches are usually in a round shape and can grow over time. This type of ringworm is referred to as tinea capitis and it can leave bald patches on the affected areas of the scalp. This type of ringworm is very contagious especially among children who are still in school. The close contact allows tinea capitis to be passed from child to child as well as adults. Tinea capitis can also be passed from pets to their owners.

Tinea cruris is another common type of ringworm infection. Tinea cruris which is often referred to as ‘jock itch’ produces an irritated skin reaction in the groin area.

This type of ringworm fungus thrives in areas that are dark and moist and so the groin area is an ideal place for tinea cruris to grow. The many sweat glands that are located here help the fungus to grow and if the area is not properly ventilated to allow for air flow, the fungus can get much worse.

Adult men suffer from tinea cruris more than any other age group. Tinea cruris is commonly passed by sharing towels between people.

Tinea pedia is a ringworm infection that often infects the feet. Often called ‘athlete’s foot’, tinea pedia often occurs between the toes because of the small spaces and moisture build up.

Wearing shoes that breathe and avoiding synthetic fiber in socks can help prevent the fungus from getting worse. The fungus can spread to the rest of the feet and often produces an uncomfortable itching or burning. Athlete’s food is often contracted in areas like pools, steam rooms or showers.

A ringworm infection that manifests in the body is often called ‘tinea corporis’. Tinea corporis lives under the surface of the skin and can produce rashes and red rings on the skin. There are many ways to be infected by tinea corporis and they include contact with animals, infected soils or by touching infected objects. The most common carriers of ringworm include cats, goats, ferrets, horses, dogs and rabbits.