Ringworm: How It Spreads and Multiplies - Causes & Prevention

Ringworm is actually not caused by a worm, but by a group of fungi that live on the skin, hair, and nails. These fungi grow by multiplying their cells through a process called asexual reproduction. During asexual reproduction, the parent fungus gives rise to daughter fungal cells that are genetically identical to itself. This allows ringworm fungi to multiply rapidly and cause a fungal infection on the skin or other affected areas. The main three types of fungi that cause ringworm are:

1. Dermatophytes: These fungi can infect the outermost layer of human skin, known as the stratum corneum, including nail beds.

2. Epidermophytes: Epidermophytes infect the outermost layer of human skin by attacking the epidermis.

3. Malassezia: These fungi reside on human skin in general and only thrive in specific areas which have higher nutrient supply and oil composition of sebum.