Ringworm Symptoms

Ringworm or tinea is a type of fungal infection of the skin that can affect different parts of the body. Even though, the condition is named after the ring-like patches caused by the fungi, it is not necessary that all types of ringworm infection causes this symptom. Different types of this infection are categorized on the basis of the location that is affected by the fungus. For example, ringworm infection of the scalp is termed as 'tinea capitis', whereas 'tinea pedis' (athlete's foot) affects the feet.

Other types of ringworm infection include 'tinea unguium' that affects the nails, 'tinea corporis' that affects the trunk, arms and legs,' tinea barbae' that affects the facial hair and jock itch or 'tinea cruris' that develops on the groin. Ringworm infection can also affect the hands and palm and this condition is called 'tinea manuum'. In case of face, this infection is named as 'tinea faciei'. In short, there are different types of ringworm infection that manifest themselves with slightly different symptoms.

Ringworm Symptoms in Humans

Even though ringworm signs and symptoms are considered more or less similar in all types, there are slight variations between them. A basic idea about these symptoms will help you in identifying the condition.

• Ringworm of the feet is otherwise known as athlete's foot or TINEA PEDIS. Usually this condition affects the area between the toes. It may also occur on the heels. Ringworm symptoms in this case are cracking, flaking and peeling skin that may lead to blisters. The cracked skin may expose the inner raw tissue and cause redness, inflammation and pain. Itching may also occur in this type of infection.
• Another common type of ringworm infection is TINEA UNGUIUM, i.e. the ringworm infection of the nails (both finger and toenails). This condition is commonly seen in the toenails and is commonly called toenail fungus. The most common symptom is thickened, discolored nails that can be crumbly and crusty. The nails become rough and may also get detached from the nail bed. Normally, pain, itching and other symptoms are not experienced in this case.
• TINEA CAPITIS or scalp ringworm affects the scalp and is commonly seen in children and teenagers. In this case, ringworm symptoms include raised ring-like swellings on the scalp. This infection may cause severe itching and hair loss on the patches, along with severe dandruff. If left untreated, these patches may develop pus-filled sores too.
• Ringworm infection of the groin or TINEA CRURIS is commonly known as jock itch. It is more commonly seen in males and is found to affect the area between the upper thighs, genitals and buttocks. This infection is characterized by red patches that can cause intense itching. Severe cases of jock itch may also cause blisters that ooze pus.
• TINEA CORPORIS affects the trunk, arms and legs. In this case, round red patches are among the common ringworm symptoms. These patches may or may not have a distinct red border. The edges of these patches may be raised and scaly and the inner area may not have body hair.
• In case of TINEA MANUUM, infection occurs in areas between the fingers and palms. It has been observed that this condition usually affects only one hand and is characterized by thickened skin that is subject to itching, burning, flaking, peeling and cracking. It is said that this condition is more problematic, as compared to tinea pedis.
• While TINEA BARBAE affects the bearded area of the face, TINEA FACIEI affects the other parts of the face. In case of the former, ringworm symptoms include patches with skin crusting and inflammation, causing loss of hair on those parts. Ringworm on other parts of the face are characterized by red patches without raised and distinct borders.

Ringworm treatment is usually done with topical and sometimes oral antifungal medications. If you notice any such symptoms, get it diagnosed and treated at the earliest. It is always better to prevent ringworm infection by avoiding skin to skin contact with infected people and pets. If you ask how do you get ringworm, then you must avoid sharing of personal items like comb, hat, clothing, towel and bed linen. Even skin contact with contaminated surfaces may cause this infection. So, avoid such contacts and maintain personal hygiene.