Ringworm is a clinical condition due to infection by fungus in the skin. The same fungus can infect pets such as cats, sheep, cattle etc. too. Ringworm is known as dermatophytosis in medical term. Although it is called ringworm, it is not caused by any worm or parasite, but by fungi of different species. It is called ringworm, because the skin lesion the fungal infection produce is commonly of ring shape, but not always.

It is estimated that, presently as many as 20% of world population may be infected by different species of dermatophytes (the causative agent of ringworm), making it probably the commonest disease, although not many have symptoms serious enough to seek medical attention. Some individuals are prone to ringworm infection, such as wrestlers and athletes. Wrestlers may even be disqualified if found to have ringworm (may be for the fear that he may cause ringworm infection to other wrestlers during wrestling).

The dermatophytes, which cause ringworm, feed on the keratin layer of the skin. Keratin is the protenaceous material found in the outermost layer of skin (epidermis, which is usually a layer of dead skin cells), as well as in the hairs and nails (finger nails and toe nails). The dermatophytes survive and thrive on the skin, especially if skin is moist and warm. Dermatophytes also thrive well in the hair (may be outside of the shaft or inside the hair shaft).

What are the different types of ringworms?

There are several types of ringworms seen in humans, depending on the location mainly.

• Tinea pedis, also commonly known as athlete’s foot, occurs in the feet.
• Tinea capitis occurs in scalp.
• Tinea cruris, also known as “jock itch” occurs in groin.
• Tinea unguium occurs in fingernails and toenails.
• Tinea corporis occurs in upper limbs, lower limbs and body/trunk.
• Tinea manuum occurs in palms.
• Tinea faciei occurs in face.
• Tinea barbae occurs in facial hair, which should be differentiated from “sycosis barbae” which is a bacterial infection commonly due to injury to facial skin while shaving.

There are also other clinically similar conditions, but not true ringworm as they are not caused by dermatophytes, such as Tinea versicolor (caused by Malassezia furfur) and Tinea nigra.

Treatment of ringworm:

There are several highly effective antifungal antibiotics (topical as well as systemic) available for treatment of ringworm.

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