Ringworm Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about ringworm.

What is ringworm?

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm is not really a worm at all, but a fungal infection of the body, scalp, feet and/or nails. Ringworm can also be referred to as tinea. Ringworm originates from fungal organisms that are called dermatophytes, which have different effects on different parts of the body.

What does ringworm look like?

Ringworm looks like a red, round rings on a person's skin, thus the name “ringworm.” However scalp ringworm first appears as a crusty pimple-like bump. Foot ringworm, also known as “athlete's foot” manifests as scaly, cracking skin between the toes. And nail ringworm is recognized by thick, discolored, brittle nails.

How do you get ringworm?

Ringworm can be acquired in several ways: direct contact from an infected human or animal, contact with something that the person or animal infected with ringworm has touched, and less commonly, walking barefoot on soil. Skin ringworm normally develops within 10 days whereas scalp ringworm develops within 14 days of contact.

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

Symptoms of ringworm include the characteristic red skin ring which appears following a patchy rash. The rash is often itchy and uncomfortable. Ringworm on the scalp often starts as a pimple-like bump and leads to patchy hair loss.

How is ringworm treated?

Ringworm can be eradicated with a course of fungus-killing medicine. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend the right ringworm treatment for you.

Stephen Binder is a dermatologist and in his spare time and endorses fungrx as the ultimate speedy cure for ringworm. For more information please see http://www.13easy.com/fungrx