Ringworm is an itchy fungal skin rash that typically looks like red rings or circular spots with central clearing. The edge of the circular spot may be raised. Despite the name, it has no relation to worms.
Depending on the area of the body involved, it can have different names and the symptoms may vary. Ringworm rash is highly contagious, so early identification and treatment are important.
Below, you can find pictures of ringworm rash, as well as details about the various types of ringworm based on the area of the body involved.
1. Ringworm of the body – Tinea corporis
Ringworm of the body other than the face, scalp, beard, groin, hands, nails, and foot is called tinea corporis. It usually involves the trunk, neck, arms, and legs.
It leads to single or multiple red circular patches on the skin. The edges are usually well-defined and are raised. The rash usually clears in the center with red erythematous edges giving the appearance of a ring. The area may be scaly and flaky.
One can see red bumps on the raised edges. In some cases, these bumps may form blisters.
These patches are associated with itching.
Ringworm in darker skin tones
In darker skin tones (brown and black skin), the ringworm presents similarly with a circular rash. However, the color of the ringworm patch may be gray, tan, reddish brown, or dark brown in color instead of pink or red color.
2. Ringworm of the hand – Tinea manuum
When ringworm involves the palms, the back of the hands, and areas between the fingers, it is called tinea manuum. It may present with red, dry, and cracked patches especially between the fingers and on the palms.
On the back of the hands, it can form ring-shaped lesions with red elevated edges and clear centers.
In some cases, it may form blisters. Many skin conditions that affect hands can be confused with ringworm like hand eczema. So, it is important to differentiate it from such conditions.
The fingernails may also be involved in some cases.
When ringworm of one hand coexists with bilateral tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot, it is known as “two feet-one hand syndrome”.
3. Ringworm of the scalp – Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is commonly seen in young children between the ages of 3 to 14 years. It involves infection of the scalp and hair. The fungi can invade the hair shaft which can make the hair brittle.
It can be of two types: Inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
Non-inflammatory types can present with a gray patch, areas of scaliness that may resemble dandruff, or patches with black dots (these dots are areas of hair breakage).
Inflammatory type can present with tender scalp patches, pus-filled bumps, yellow crusting, and areas of hair loss.
4. Ringworm of the foot – Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot)
Ringworm of the foot very commonly affects the area between the toes, although it can affect any part of the foot.
It can lead to dry, red, and scaly skin, especially between the fourth and fifth toe. It may be associated with an itching and burning sensation.
In some cases, it may lead to thickening of soles, blister formation, or ulcers.
Read the full article on athlete’s foot.
5. Ringworm of the nails – Tinea unguium
A fungal infection of the nails is called onychomycosis. When the fungal infection is due to dermatophytes it is called tinea unguium.
It often affects the big toe. In some people, it is accompanied by ringworm of the foot or tinea pedis.
It can lead to discoloration of the nail. It can be white, yellow, or brown in color. It is usually thick and opaque. It may become brittle and can break. The edge of the nail may be lifted up.
Ringworm of the nail can be confused with other conditions like psoriatic nails, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.
6. Ringworm of the groin – Tinea cruris (Jock itch)
It is commonly seen in people who are overweight or sweat excessively. It can lead to itching and red rash in the groin region. It can extend to the thighs, pubic area, and lower part of the abdomen.
The rash presents with red raised edges and central clearing. Small bumps may be present at the edges. It is usually associated with itching.
7. Ringworm of the beard – Tinea barbae
This refers to fungal infection of the beard and mustache area by the dermatophytes. It can result in diffuse red patches which may have a ring-like appearance.
It can also lead to the formation of red inflamed areas with pus-filled bumps. The hair in these areas is brittle and can be easily removed.
Most people get this by direct contact with an infected animal like cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, etc.
8. Ringworm of the face – Tinea faciei
Tinea faciei is a dermatophyte infection of the face excluding the beard and mustache area.
It may present with a red scaly patch with indistinct edges and may be confused with other skin conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.
It may also present with ring-shaped lesions with red edges and central clear areas just like ringworm of the body.
Look-alikes
Ring-like scaly patches can occur due to many other skin conditions. These may include lupus, granuloma annulare, eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, or urticaria.
If you are not sure, what is causing the rash or if the rash is not improving, see a doctor for the diagnosis and treatment.
Read the detailed article on rashes which can look like ringworm.
Causes
Ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. It includes Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum.
These fungi can infect the outer keratinized layer of the skin, nails, and hair. They thrive in warm and moist environments, so can grow in the skin folds.
Certain factors can increase one’s chance of getting a ringworm rash. These include:
- Hot and humid environment.
- Excessive sweating.
- Walking barefoot in public places like gym rooms and bathrooms.
- Tight-fitting clothes.
- Suppressed immune system.
- Sharing personal items with others.
- Underlying medical conditions like diabetes mellitus.
Spread
Ringworm is very contagious and the infection can spread from one person to another via direct contact with lesions or contaminated surfaces or personal items.
It can also spread from animals or pets to humans. In rare cases, one can get it by prolonged contact with the infected soil.
One can also spread it from one part of the body to another. Like if one touches the infected area and does not wash the hands, it can lead to infection of the hands and fingernails.
Diagnosis
It can be diagnosed by a doctor after a physical examination. In some cases, your doctor may take skin scrapings that are looked under the microscope for the presence of fungus.
Treatment
Ringworm can be treated with topical antifungal creams or ointment. They may contain miconazole, clotrimazole, and terbinafine.
In severe cases or ringworm of the scalp and nail, prescription oral antifungals like griseofulvin, fluconazole, itraconazole, etc. may be needed.
Prevention
One can reduce chances of acquiring ringworm, by following measures:
- Keep your skin dry and clean. Make sure to dry off all the skin folds before putting on clothes after a shower.
- Do not share your personal items with others like clothing, towels, slippers, etc.
- Take a bath after excessive sweating.
- Wear slippers in public areas like gym rooms, public showers, or pools.
- If you take part in contact sports, always take a bath after any session.
- If you have a patch of ringworm, follow good hand hygiene after treating the area to avoid the spread of the ringworm rash.
- If your pet has ringworm or scaly patches, make sure to get them treated by a vet doctor and wash your hands thoroughly after touching them.
Read more:
- Ringworm: Facts and FAQs
- Stages of Ringworm Healing
- How Long Does Ringworm Last?
- Home Remedies for Ringworm: How to treat it at home naturally?
References
- Havlickova B, Czaika VA, Friedrich M. Epidemiological trends in skin mycoses worldwide. Mycoses. 2008 Sep;51 Suppl 4:2-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01606.x. Erratum in: Mycoses. 2009 Jan;52(1):95. PMID: 18783559.
- Chamorro MJ, House SA. Tinea Manuum. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.
- Al Aboud AM, Crane JS. Tinea Capitis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.