Ringworm

Dermatophytosis, a skin infection caused by fungus.

Any of a number of contagious skin diseases caused by certain parasitic fungi and characterised by the formation of ring-shaped eruptive patches.

A common contagious disease produced by fungi that affects skin, hair, or nails.

Any of various infections of the skin by a fungus, in which the infection spreads out in a circle from a central point. It is very contagious and difficult to get rid of.

Any of several fungal infections of the skin, often characterized by ringlike skin lesions, including athlete’s foot and jock itch.

A fungal skin infection characterized by ring-shaped, red, scaly patches.

A fungus infection of the surface of the skin, particularly the scalp and feet, and occasionally of the nails. Ringworm is caused by various species of the fungi Microsponim, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton and it also affects animals: a source of infection for man. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread by direct contact or via infected materials. As its name suggests, the infection is ringlike and it causes intense itching. The commonest form of ringworm is athlete’s foot {tinea pedis), which affects the skin between the toes. Another common type is ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), of which there is a severe form. Ringworm also affects the skin under a beard (tinea barbae). The disease is treated with antifungal agents taken by mouth (such as griseofulvin) or applied locally.

Ringworm, or tinea, is the name given to inflammatory rashes caused by dermatophytes of the genera microsporum, epidermophyton and trichophyton. These fungi can infect skin, hair and nails. The important clinical patterns are as follows.

The popular term for any contagious skin infection caused by fungi of the genera Microsporum or Trichophyton. The hallmark of these conditions is a well-defined red rash, with an elevated, wavy, or worm shaped border. Ringworm of the scalp is called tinea capitis; of the body, tinea corporis; of the groin, tinea cruris; of the hand, tinea manus; of the beard, tinea barbae; of the nails, tinea unguium; and of the feet, tinea pedis or athlete’s foot.

A commonly used term for specific fungal skin infections that often appear on areas like the feet, groin, scalp, nails, or torso. Ringworm results in skin patches that are ring-shaped, red, scaly, or blistered.