CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg

Ringworm Infection

Article
Kids' Zone
Skin Care
+2
Contributed byLester Fahrner, MD+1 moreApr 18, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Superficial Mycosis Infection
  • Tinea Infection, NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)

What is Ringworm Infection? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Ringworm Infection or Tinea Infection of various specified locations, (or simply Tinea Infection, NOS) is a fungal infection that simultaneously can affect several areas of the skin surface, such as the body, scalp, beard, groin, feet, nails, etc. Each of the specific names refers to a site commonly infected by fungal organisms
  • The group of fungus causing the infection are called dermatophytes, specifically belonging to the genus Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton
  • Ringworm Infection causes itching sensations that are felt on the skin with the appearance of small, round, and elevated red rashes (giving a ring-like form) with scaly textured surface
  • This highly contagious fungal infection develops due to exposure to the causative organism and prolonged periods of warm moist conditions. Poor hygiene can play a role, yet excessive cleaning will usually not cause it to resolve. It can affect any individual and is common throughout the world (both in urban and rural areas)
  • The condition is treated using antifungal medications and by maintaining a proper hygiene. The prognosis of Ringworm Infection is typically excellent with adequate treatment

Who gets Ringworm Infection? (Age and Sex Distribution) 

  • Ringworm Infection may infect individuals of any age, gender, race or ethnicity; if factors for fungus growth on the body are favorable
  • It is more commonly seen in children - mainly those in their pre-adolescent stage
  • Women, those who have a higher degree of contact and interaction with children (who are infected)
  • Individuals, working in close contact with children by virtue of their profession or work, are more prone to contracting Tinea Infection, NOS

What are the Risk Factors for Ringworm Infection? (Predisposing Factors)

The potential risk factors for Ringworm Infection are:

  • Children, who are exposed to other infected children, particularly at schools, daycare centers for children, theme parks, play areas, etc.
  • Playing contact sports, such as football, basketball, wrestling, judo, or participating in any such activities that brings one in direct physical contact with other infected individuals
  • Individuals residing in overcrowded neighborhoods (that are warm and humid) with poor living conditions
  • Those with sweaty (wet) body conditions
  • Wearing tightfitting clothes regularly, particularly those made of synthetic materials
  • Sharing bathrooms, toilets, kitchen sinks
  • Sharing contaminated items, like clothes, beds, linens, towels
  • Playing with infected pets, coming into close contact with farm animals
  • Neglecting fungal infection at other locations of the body
  • Having superficial (on the surface), minor cuts and nicks on the nails, scalp, or body surface
  • If the individual has a weak immune system or diabetes, there is a greater susceptibility to fungal infections, such as Ringworm or Tinea Infection
  • Those who were infected with fungal infections in the past, have an elevated risk
  • Fungal organisms also live in soil, and so exposure to soil can also cause ringworm infections

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ringworm Infection? (Etiology)

Ringworm Infection is caused by a fungus organism.

  • Normally, there is fungus present in healthy individuals. The fungus is present in the dead skin cells that cover the body. A dry and clean skin does not allow the growth of the fungus. However, damp and warm conditions increase their growth and proliferation, which results in an infection
  • Fungi belonging to any of the genus Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton transmitted in warm-wet areas causes this infection
  • Ringworm Infection spreads through:
    • Direct contact with an infected individual
    • An infected pet
    • By using shared items
    • In rare cases, from highly infected soils too

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm Infection?

Ringworm Infection signs and symptoms include:

  • The fungus typically affects the epidermis (outer skin surface) causing circular ring-like rashes that appear normal and healthy, inside the circles; hence, the term Ringworm Infection
  • These occur at various locations on the body and the affected parts could include the body, scalp, beard, groin, feet, nails, etc.
  • Skin lesions have burning or itchy sensations. The enlarging red and inflamed skin rings project out of the surface and may form to become fluid-filled lesions
  • Sometimes, there is excessive redness accompanied by fever
  • With time, the skin appears flaky and dry with hair loss
  • Bald patches can be seen on the head; the nails may be discolored, with brittle or broken edges
  • The incubation period for the symptoms to develop after an infection, may be from anywhere between 7-21 days

Often, infections caused through the soil or animal-route has a severe or higher degree of signs and symptoms.

How is Ringworm Infection Diagnosed?

A Ringworm Infection is visually recognizable, due to its characteristic annular (ring-like) formations. The physician may conclude the diagnosis based on a simple physical examination of the condition. However, the infection is normally confirmed by the following diagnostic tests:

  • Performing a biopsy of the affected skin
  • Potassium hydroxide test (KOH test): A sample of the skin scraping is examined microscopically, to detect the presence of fungus
  • A fungus culture may be performed - however, it may take weeks to obtain the results
  • Wood’s lamp test - the use of ultraviolet rays to check the fluorescent properties of the infection
  • A differential diagnosis may need to be considered in order to eliminate other skin infections/conditions

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ringworm Infection?

Complication due to Ringworm Infections could include:

  • The infection may spread to other body regions
  • Permanent scars and patches may occur, due to a worsening of the skin condition. This may lead to intensely painful inflammations, drainage of the lesions, etc.
  • Recurrence of the infection
  • Risk of other opportunistic skin disorders, or other bacterial infections affecting the body, like cellulitis, pyoderma
  • The lymph nodes may become infected by bacteria leading to conditions, like lymphadenitis or lymphangitis
  • Side effects of the (oral) medications used

How is Ringworm Infection Treated?

The treatment measures for Ringworm (Tinea) Infection include:

  • Most skin related fungal infections respond extremely well to treatment, with over-the-counter and prescription antifungal topical medications  and dry powder applications
  • Oral medications are necessary, if topical applications do not relieve the symptoms, or if the infection is quite severe. The  medication most recommended is terbinafine. Griseofluvin, ketoconazole, and fluconazole and itraconazole are also used. Other antifungal drugs may have some side effects (and hence they are prescribed with caution)
  • Self-care is essential, which also helps shorten the recovery period. Certain basic steps to be followed include:
    • Regular washing and cleaning of the body area or skin surface, to prevent spread of the infection to other regions
    • Using clean and disinfected towels, combs, and hairbrushes
    • Disinfecting common shared spaces, like toilets and shower areas, bathtubs, kitchens, bedrooms
    • Applying the prescribed creams and taking the prescribed oral medications regularly
  • If bacterial infections complicate the condition, then antibiotics are prescribed
  • In order to avoid recurrence of the infection, the antifungal treatment measures have to be continued for an extended period of time (per advice of the physician), even after the condition has been controlled

How can Ringworm Infection be Prevented?

Some basic steps to ensure the prevention of Ringworm/Tinea Infection, especially if the risk factors are high, include:

  • Keep the body (especially the groin region, armpits), clean and dry regularly. It is also important to ensure that individual’s habitually wash their hands and shampoo their hair regularly
  • Avoid wearing tightfitting, thick clothing and dress made of synthetic material, which might induce excess sweating (for longer time periods), unless there is a real necessity
  • Areas frequented by children/adults (or common spaces used by them), have to be maintained in good, sanitary, and hygienic condition
  • Fungal infections transmit through contact and hence, avoid sharing common personal items, like combs, towels, beddings, nail clippers, etc.
  • Tinea Infection, NOS can spread from infected animals and pets. Such animals may show signs of bald skin patches on their body, or sometimes they may be asymptomatic
  • Always clean yourself up after walking or working in fields and on farmlands. Also, clean up after performing any activity that involves touching the soil, like gardening, watering plants, outdoor camping, etc.
  • Treat any fungal infection immediately, and prevent them from spreading to other regions of the body
  • Teach the children or keep them informed about fungal infections and tell them how to recognize certain early signs

What is the Prognosis of Ringworm Infection? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Ringworm Infection with appropriate treatment is excellent.

  • Irrespective of the severity of the infection and active treatment measures followed, a Ringworm Infection may last for a few months
  • It responds very well to antifungal treatment and good self-care
  • In order to prevent its recurrence, the treatment has to be continued, even after all the signs of infection have ceased
  • If the infection spreads to other parts of the body, or other secondary bacterial infections arise, then an extended course of treatment with antibiotics may be required

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ringworm Infection:

  • Individuals suffering from diabetes or other immunodeficiency-related diseases should seek immediate medical advice, if they develop any skin fungal infection
  • If any one individual member in a family contracts the disease, then the risk of transmission to other members in the house is high. Hence, every precaution has to be taken to maintain a hygienic environment
Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Lester Fahrner, MD picture
Reviewed by

Lester Fahrner, MD

Chief Medical Officer, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!