Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection which can affect the scalp, the body and the nails. The infection is called as ‘Ringworm’ because it appears in rings of red colour on the skin.

Causes
The medical term for ring worm is tinea. Doctors named them according the place of location.

• Infection on scalp – Tinea capitis
• Infection of the body – Tinea corporis
• Infection of feet – Tinea pedis

Ringworm is caused by fungal organisms belonging to a group called ‘Dematophytes’. Variety of ‘Dermatophytes’ affect various parts of the body causing various types of ringworm.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Ringworm of scalp begins with a small pimple that progress and leaves a scaly patch of temporary baldness. Hairs present in the infected area become brittle and break off easily.
• Ring worm of body appears as flat, round patch on any part of skin except that on scalp and head. As the rash increases its center becomes clear to produce a ring. There can be more than one patch on the skin and they can also overlap each other. The infected area can have itching sensation also.
• Ringworm of feet is also known as ‘Athletes Foot’. It appears as scaling or cracking on skin especially between the toes.
• Ringworm of nails affects the nail to become thicker, discolored and brittle or nails become chalky and disintegration.

Treatment
There are several types of treatments that are available for treating ringworm. Some of them are:

• Use of tropical Creams: Many creams are available that can be used without prescription. Creams have minimal side effects like skin irritation, burning or itching sensation when applied. They may take 2-4 weeks to show their effect.
• Oral medications: Oral medications are also available but these should be taken only when prescribed. Oral medicines bear a greater risk of side effects like nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and headache. In some extreme cases they can even cause liver problems.