What is Ringworm?
Ringworm, despite its name is not a worm and has nothing to do with worms. It is in fact a fungal infection. The reason for its name is due to what it looks like. That is, it appears as a round circle or ring on the skin of the patient.
Very closely related to Ringworm is a condition known as Jock Itch where there is a fungal infection in the groin.
A common name for ringworm is tinea. Depending upon whereabouts on your body the ringworm appears will determine its precise name, for example if the ringworm appears on the head or scalp, its known as tinea capitis, if it is on the body, then it is known as tinea corporis and if the ringworm is found on the feet, then it is known as tinea pedis or more commonly athletes foot.
Ringworm is mostly found in children; however, it can be caught by anybody of any age.
The ringworm looks like a round ring shaped patch on the skin which will be red and silvery with scales. It can also be quite itchy. The ring spreads outwards and eventually the centre will heal and look like normal skin, leaving a red ring.
Scalp and head ringworm infections can cause baldness at the point where...