Ringworm or Tinea is a contagious skin infection caused by fungi. It may affect the scalp, body, feet and groin area. It is difficult at times to recognize the symptoms of ringworm. People may mistake this skin disorder for dermatitis or a skin allergy.
Doctors take a sample of your nail clipping or skin tissue from the area of infection to test it for ringworm. The symptoms of ringworm vary depending on an individual’s body parts and the areas it targets.
You may possibly get ringworm if your skin comes into direct contact with the skin of any person or pet already infected by it. Moreover, there are chances of ringworm spreading indirectly through contacting any surface or object earlier touched by an infected pet, animal or person. Besides, exposure of the skin to soil may even result in ringworm infection, which is a rare occurrence.
When infected with ringworm, your skin mostly develops a rash, which may be scaling, peeling, cracking, itching and reddish in apperrance. Certain times, the rash notably forms blisters, particularly on feet.
In the case of it on the scalp, ringworm begins with a small pimple, which grows larger thereby leaving visible scaly patches. The scalp turns temporarily bald. Hairs in this region appear brittle and easily break off. You may even witness development of yellowish crusty regions.
If ringworm infects the body, it is visible as a round flat patch on the skin, sparing the feet and scalp. Another area where ringworm often shows up is the groin area. Here, the rash expands gradually clearing its center to form a ring. You may see a few patches appearing, which may further overlap. Occurrence of ringworm at the groin area will make the individual feel restless, as it is very itchy.
Ringworm that affects the feet is visible as cracking or scaling of skin. Particularly, the infection commonly occurs between your toes.