Ringworm is a type of infection that is caused by a fungus and not by an actual worm. This type of infection is quite common in teenagers. This type fungal infection can form a scaly path on the skin which generally looks like a worm. That is why it is called ringworm. There are many different types of fungi and bacteria that live in our skin. Some of these are useful for our body while the others may cause severe infections. Ringworm is scientifically known as a tinea. The infection can have different names depending on where it appears on your body. The type of ringworm that appears on your scalp is called tinea capitus. Whereas, the ringworm that appears on the body is called tinea corporis and the type of ringworm that appears on hands or feet is known as tinea manus or pedis.
Ringworm forms due to skin fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi live on the upper part of the skin and it usually does not invade the deeper part of the skin. Also, this fungus does not live inside the mouth. A man can simultaneously have fungus on different parts of his body. When ringworm infects our body it can cause different symptoms such as rashes, itching, unpleasant feeling on the skin, red patches, oozing blisters etc. Ringworm is a type of fungal infection which is very dangerous and contagious and it can also spread from one person to another. It can even spread through other ways like pets, contaminated soil and water. There are a few basic types of ringworm which are described below.
The first type of ringworm is called Tinea barbea and it is also known as “barber’s itch”. This type of ringworm commonly infects adult males and is scaly, red and it also has borders which are not visibly defined.
The second type of ringworm is called Tinea capitis and it is most commonly located on the human scalp. It is really common in teenagers. This type of fungal infection often leaves bald spots.
The third type is known as Tinea corporis. This type of infection forms a rash on the human skin but it doesn’t always resemble a worm. It has a reddish border that eventually grows.
The fourth type is known as Tinea cruris, it is reddish brown in color and it usually forms on the groin region. It is also called jock itch. This type of infection usually mimics psoriasis, chafing or yeast infection.
The fifth and final type of ringworm is known as Tinea pedis or manus. This type of fungal infection is most commonly found on different parts of your feet or hands and it can also present itself in between your toes and fingers or on the soles and heels of your feet. It can cause itch, scaling, thickening and severe irritation and burning. Due to this infection your nails become discolored, crumbly, thick and brittle. If you have a feeling that your child may have the symptoms of ringworm then you need to get in touch with a doctor at once.
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