Skin Fungus

General Health Information

Skin disorder fungus ringworm (Tinea) is a fungus infection of the scalp or skin. The fungal infection is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes live on the dead tissues on the skin and any structures that grow from the skin, such as hair or nails. Ringworm is not a "worm" but a fungal infection.

Skin disorder fungus ringworm can affect skin on the fingers, toenails, groin or feet. Ringworm tends to infect moist areas of the body. The affected area usually becomes inflamed and itchy because of sensitivity to the fungus or a secondary infection by bacteria. In the most serious cases, ringworm results in an acute infection that produces running sores on the scalp or painful blisters on the feet.

Ringworm symptoms of the skin are an itchy, burning, and flaky rash that is circular in shape. The skin may also be dry and scaly. Ringworm infection does not create lasting immunity. A person can be repeatedly infected by the same type of fungus.

Some symptoms of scalp ringworm are flaky, circular patch of baldness. Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple, which becomes larger in size and leaves scaly patches of temporary baldness. As the ringworm spreads, the center area clears and appears normal.

Ringworm's can be transmitted from animals (dogs and cats) to humans and from humans to humans by direct contact. Ringworm can also be spread through contact with articles (such as combs or clothing) or surfaces which have been contaminated with the fungus. The incubation period is unknown for most types of ringworm, however ringworm of the scalp is usually seen 10 to 14 days after contact and ringworm of the body is seen 4 to 10 days after initial contact.

If untreated, these infections can linger on and become chronic. You will be infectious (able to transmit it to another person) as long as the fungus remains present in the skin lesion. The fungus is no longer present when the lesion starts to shrink.

It is difficult to take specific measures to prevent contact with the fungi that causes ringworm's because the fungi are common. However, if you know someone has ringworm, do not have physical contact with them or share their clothes.

Anyone can get ringworm. Children may be more susceptible to certain species of ringworm while adults may be more susceptible to other varieties. Scalp sores must be kept clean and dry, and often the child is isolated to prevent the infection from spreading to other children.

With ringworm of the nails, the infected nails become thicker discolored and brittle or they can become chalky and disintegrate. Ringworm of the body appears as flat, spreading ring-shaped areas. The edge is reddish and may be either dry or scaly or moist and crusted. As it spreads, the center area clears and appears normal. Ringworm of the foot appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.

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Skin Disorder Fungus