Diseases

Tinea (Ring Worm)

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Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin previously thought to be due to a parasite (worm). The medical term for ringworm is tinea. The skin infections are sometimes characterized by round lesions in the upper layers of the skin.

SYMPTOMS

Ringworm is typically scaly and may be red and itchy. Ringworm of the scalp is common in children, where it may cause bald patches.

CAUSES

No actual worm is involved. Also called tinea corporis, ringworm of the body is closely related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.