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What are Symptoms of Ringworm?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The symptoms of ringworm are quite distinctive, and when combined with a knowledge of common risk factors for ringworm, they can cinch a diagnosis. Fortunately, ringworm treatments are available over the counter in many regions, but if treatment fails to take effect within a week, it may be necessary to consult a doctor to confirm the problem is ringworm, and to get access to stronger drugs. People who suspect that they have ringworm should be aware they are highly contagious to other people and to pets like cats and dogs.

Before delving into the symptoms of ringworm, it may help to know more about ringworm. Despite the name, this skin condition is not caused by worms. It is actually the result of infection with a fungus, and it can appear in several spots on the body, including the scalp, beard, groin, skin, and feet. Doctors refer to ringworm as “tinea,” and they often append a term to describe the location, as in the case of tinea pedis, ringworm on the feet, also known as athlete's foot.

Creams for treating ringworm are available.
Creams for treating ringworm are available.

The most common risk factor for exposure to ringworm is exposure to an environment where the fungus can thrive. Gyms tend to be harbors for the fungus, since it likes the warm, moist floors of places like showers and locker rooms, transferring to the feet of gym users. Ringworm is also common in crowded environments. Children tend to be more at risk, because of communal athletic areas, as do athletes. People who work or live with animals may also be at risk, because ringworm can live on cats and dogs, too. If the symptoms of ringworm appear in people who are at increased risk, it is highly likely that ringworm is the cause, rather than another skin condition.

Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.
Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.

Ringworm usually starts out as a small reddish area on the skin which may be slightly flaky and itchy. As the fungus settles in, the area will turn distinctly scaly, and it may blister and ooze as well. Classically, a white ring appears around the reddish area, explaining the term “ringworm,” and the site is usually very itchy. If ringworm attacks the hands and feet, the nails may start to crumble and break off.

Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.

Ringworm especially loves folds of the skin, because they are moist, dark, and warm. The symptoms of ringworm often start between the toes, in the folds of the groin, and behind the ears. In cases where ringworm develops on the scalp or under a beard, it may take some time for the condition to be noticed, as the itching may be dismissed until the reddish area becomes apparent. Hair loss can also occur with ringworm in these areas.

Ringworm is the result of infection, and can appear in several spots on the body, including the scalp.
Ringworm is the result of infection, and can appear in several spots on the body, including the scalp.

Treatment for ringworm involves the application of a topical anti-fungal to kill the fungus. In cases where the scales have opened up and become infected, an antibiotic may also be prescribed. It is also important to wash all garments which the ringworm have come into contact with, and to avoid touching people, pets, carpets, and drapery with an active ringworm infection. If the symptoms of ringworm appear in other members of the household, they should be treated immediately to head the fungus off at the pass.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

umbra21

@Ana1234 - You're right, but it's not too bad if you keep a clean house in the first place. As it says in the article, ringworm is particularly contagious when it's incubated in an area that is warm and damp and dark, like a shower room floor or something like that. If you have wooden floors, or carpets that are cleaned regularly, I don't think you have too much risk of contracting it.

Ana1234

@pleonasm - I'm not sure if that's true for everyone, because I know people who seem to get athlete's foot quite often and it's related to ringworm.

One thing to remember is that the flaky skin that is one of the symptoms of ringworm in humans and in cats is how the fungus spreads itself. It doesn't actually spread through direct contact necessarily. It spreads through contact with the little skin flakes.

So, if you've got a cat or dog that has ringworm, you really have to make sure you clean the carpets and scrub the floors before you can declare yourself safe. It's not enough to simply treat the animal.

pleonasm

Once you've seen the symptoms of ringworm a couple of times you become fairly familiar with it. We used to pick it up as children, because we were the kind of family that was always rescuing stray cats and kittens and they are notorious for having it.

Apparently, though, once you've had it a couple of times you don't get it again, because you form antibodies to it. I can remember having it more than once as a kid, but I don't think I've had it since.

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    • Creams for treating ringworm are available.
      By: motorlka
      Creams for treating ringworm are available.
    • Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.
      By: Brocreative
      Keeping locker rooms clean can help prevent ringworm.
    • Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
      By: roblan
      Athlete's foot is a form of ringworm.
    • Ringworm is the result of infection, and can appear in several spots on the body, including the scalp.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Ringworm is the result of infection, and can appear in several spots on the body, including the scalp.
    • Ringworm can live in the moist floors of gym showers.
      By: gosphotodesign
      Ringworm can live in the moist floors of gym showers.
    • Ringworm generally starts out as a reddish area on the skin.
      By: schankz
      Ringworm generally starts out as a reddish area on the skin.