Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Ringworm--despite its misleading name--is actually caused by a fungal infection. It's not a worm. It is a superficial skin infection, and it's unlikely to cause serious harm unless left untreated. It can affect the skin on the body, scalp, groin (jock itch), or feet (athlete's foot). It is spread through contact and can affect both domesticated animals and humans.

Red, Raised, Scaly Patches

• Ringworm often shows as a circular shaped ring of red rash. The skin on the inside of the rash is normally clear. This tell-tale "ring" gives ringworm its name.

Rash, Itching

• Not all ringworm infections take the ring shape. They can also look like a regular rash, or there may be an area that itches. Ringworm does not always itch.

Bald Patches

• When your scalp or beard is infected, or--if an animal is infected--ringworm will cause hair loss in the localized area. This leads to bald patches.

"Cigarette Ash" Rashes

• Particularly common on the scalp and in animals, ringworm infection can look like a bad burn or cigarette ash on the skin.

Discolored Nails

• If nails are infected, they become discolored and thicker than normal. They may start to crumble.