What are the signs and symptoms of Ringworm?
Ringworm of the skin appears as a flat, spreading, circular, or sometimes oval ring or patch. The patch may contain fluid or pus, but usually it is dry and scaly or moist and crusty. Sometimes multiple rings appear in a single patch. There are several common forms and names for ringworm: • Ringworm of the foot is called “athlete’s foot” or “tinea pedis.” • Ringworm of the groin is called “jock itch” or “tinea cruris.” • Ringworm of the scalp is called “tinea capitis.” It usually starts as a small pimple-like sore before spreading as a fine, scaly, bald patch. It may cause hair to become brittle and to break off, and it may be spread by sharing hats or combs. • Ringworm of the nails is called “tinea unguium.” It usually affects one or more nails of the hands or feet. The infection causes the nail to thicken and to become discolored and brittle. • Ringworm of the body is generally called “tinea corporis.
