Ringworm Symptoms in Humans

Ringworm is a common type of skin disease, which usually affects children. However, it can affect people of all ages. Its name suggest a worm, but this skin disease is not caused due to a worm, but rather due to an infection. On our body different type of bacteria and fungi live, some are useful to the body. While other kinds of bacteria or fungi can multiply and cause infection. Ringworm occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in a particular body region, which can be scalp, nail, groin, feet, etc. Ringworm is contagious, and hence one needs to treat this infection and avoid sharing personal items with others. This will ensure that the infection doesn't spread.

Skin Ringworm Symptoms
The condition in which a person gets ringworm infection on the body is called tinea corporis. If a person gets ringworm infection on the skin, then the ringworm symptoms experienced are:

• A ring like formation of red rash on the skin
• The skin rash looks like a ring, because of the lesion becomes less red as the lesion develops
• The rings can multiply or become larger, sometimes the rings can blend with each other
• The rings will feel slightly raised to touch
• Under the rash a person may feel itchy
• In severe conditions, blisters can form around the rings

Scalp Ringworm Symptoms
Tinea capitis, is the scalp ringworm infection. When ringworm infection occurs on the scalp, a person might show these signs and symptoms:

• Patchy hair loss
• Small scaly patches on the skin, which look like sores
• Itching of the infected regions on the scalp
• Severe symptoms like appearance of rash, crusting on the scalp, and blistering can also occur

Nail Ringworm Symptoms
Tinea unguium fungal infection affects fingernails and toenails. Toenail or fingernail fungal infection symptoms are:

• Yellow coloring of the infected nails
• The ends of the nail can become thick
• The color of the nails can change to black or green
• Occurrence of brittle nails that tend to fall off
• Skin surrounding the nail can become sore and irritated

Foot Ringworm Symptoms
The fungal infection that affects feet, is called Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). The symptoms of this condition are:

• A rash, usually between toes, is seen
• The rash can be scaly, dry, itchy and red
• There also might be cracked skin in the affected area
• Blistering might also occur
• The affected skin can swell
• Burning sensation of the infected skin might also occur
• You might also observe scaling patterns around the sole and sides of the foot

Groin Ringworm Symptoms
Tinea cruris, also called jock itch is the ringworm groin infection. The symptoms of infection of groin ringworm in humans are:

• Infection on inner thighs and groin region
• Sores which are red or brown in color
• Blistering around the sores might occur
• Itching and redness around the infected skin area
• The inner thigh skin area can become scaly and flaky

One can get rid of ringworm infection, by using an antifungal for ringworm, or over-the-counter medications like topical creams. However, if the ringworm symptoms become worse, then seek medical help.