Ringworm, or tinea corporis, on humans is a fungal infection resulting from dermatophytes, which live on the dead top layer of the skin. It grows best in warm, moist areas which make swimming pools, skin folds and locker rooms, excellent places for ringworm growth.
Its symptoms include an itchy, red and inflamed circular rash with healthy skin in the middle of the circle, and it is not uncommon for more then one circle to appear. Each circle, or lesion, is less than 5 cm wide and may either occur alone, or in a group of three or four. The circular rash may also be scaly in appearance, moist and be itchy. Small bumps that look like blisters and fluid filled areas may also appear. Sometimes the rash does not appear in a circular form, but just appears as a red and itchy rash. Ringworm often appears on the chest, stomach, legs, back and arms. Ringworm may form on the hands which appear like athlete's foot. The palms of the hands getting think, scaly and dry and moist open sores often develop in between the fingers. If left untreated ringworm can also spread over the body and infect the feet, finger and toe nails, the scalp and even beards.
The origin of the name 'ringworm' comes from the appearance of the infection and unlike the name suggests there is no affiliation with the infection and an actual worm. The infection can spread in an array of ways. It may result from direct skin-to-skin contact with another human infected with ringworm which is most commonly caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Human-to-human ringworm transmitting occurs through direct contact with an infected humans' ringworm sore and is the most common way people contract ringworms.
Ringworm can also be contracted through touching animals, generally cats or dogs, but it may also come from grooming horses, rabbits and pigs. Microsporum canis, which is spread by cats and dogs, creates ringworm in humans. A surface or object, such as towels, bedding, clothes or hair brushes, can spread ringworm if an infected person has recently been in contact with it. It is rare, but still possible, for infected soil to pass ringworm infection onto humans. Anyone can contract ringworm at any time, with a lifetime likelihood of fungal infection at 20-30%.
There are multiple factors can lead to higher risk of ringworm infection of the body; these include, but are not limited to: living in damp or crowded conditions, coming into close contact with a human or animal that are infected, sharing clothing, bedding or towels with a person who is infected, participation in contact sports (rugby or football), or having a weakened immune system.
To prevent yourself and others from getting ringworm the following steps should be taken: avoid direct contact with infected people and animals, wear loose-fitted clothing, keep clean, be aware of the risk factors that cause and spread ringworm, stay dry and cool and do not share person items. Contact your doctor if you have a rash that does not improve within two weeks, as your may need medical attention.
For more information please read this article on Ringworm and on Treatments for Ringworm.
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