Introduction to What is Ringworm
Ringworm is a disease which is caused by many types of fungus. It is associated with a medical term which is “Tinea” or, “Dermatophytosis”. When a fungal pathogen gets colonized in the upper layer of our skin then, a ring-like circular red, itchy rash is visible in the skin. Some common names of Ringworm causing fungal organisms are Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton. Skin, feet, nail, scalp of the human is affected by this fungus, and cats, dogs, and rodent animals are also affected by this pathogen. Usually, these fungi live for an extended period as spores in soils. Humans and animals are contaminated in touch with these spores.
Types of Ringworm
Some types of ringworm are explained below on the basis of few infecting areas found in the human body.
Tinea cruris(Jock itch) - It is more common in the genital area of men rather than women and it is caused in warm weather conditions.
Tinea pedis(Athlete’s foot) – It is more common in the feet and between toes and occurs due to keeping the feet wet or sweaty.
Tinea corporis(Body ringworm) - It is more common in the body, skin folds, and face and happens in a warmer climate.
Tinea capitis(scalp ringworm) – It is found in the area of the head and is considered to be very contagious.
Ringworm Causes
As casual fungi live on the surface so some of the causes of the ringworm are mentioned below according to that context.
Human to human – When a healthy person comes in contact with an infected person either directly or through the skin.
Object to human – When a healthy human touches the objects of an infected person like comb, clothes, bedsheet, etc.
Animal to human - If a healthy person comes in contact with any ringworm infected pet like, cats, dogs, rodents like guinea pigs then it gets spread easily.
Ringworm Symptoms
On the basis of the infected organs, different symptoms are observed for ringworm.
If the skin is affected then red, itchy patches are observed. These patches may develop into blisters.
If nails are affected, then it becomes thicker, discolored, and cracked.
If the scalp is affected, then the hair of that particular region will fall off and bald patches will be observed.
Ringworm Treatment for Humans
Ringworms are treated by topical lotions, antifungal creams, and powder. Many non-prescription products are available to treat ringworm.
Some famous treatment creams which are used widely are known as Miconazole, Clotrimazole, Terbinafine, Ketoconazole, etc.
Ringworm Diagram
Ringworm diagrams can be characterized by a red ring of small blisters or scaly skin. The infection spreads more as it grows outwards.
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Ringworm Prevention
Ringworm’s preventions are as follows.
Always keep skin dry and clean.
Avoid walking barefoot in public showers.
Clip and clean fingernails.
Do not use the same underwear for multiple days.
Do not share towels, clothing, and bedsheets, and keep it clean.
Ringworm Causative Agent
The main causative agent is Microsporum species which includes Microsporum canis, as the primary causative agent. As these organisms reproduce themselves by microscopic spores, so they belong to the Microsporum species.
Ringworm Scientific Name
More than 40 species of fungi can cause ringworm.
Some scientific names of ringworms are as mentioned below :
Tinea pedis
Tinea cruris
Tinea capitis
Tinea barbae
Tinea Manuum
Tinea unguium
Precautions for Fungal Infection
To avoid fungal infections like ringworm we must take some precautions.
Always keep skin dry and clean.
Maintain good personal hygiene.
Add more green vegetables to diet along with proteins.
Wash footwear and socks regularly to keep them clean.
Ringworm Mode of Transmission
No worm is involved in causing ringworm disease, as we know it is a fungal infection. This disease is transmitted through direct contact of a fungus with the skin. This contact may occur due to the user object of the infected person as mentioned earlier.
Ringworm Fungal Infection Treatment
The best way to treat fungal infection is anti-fungal creams. Animal male ringworm infection is treated with topical therapy, in which anti-fungal cream is also used. Also, medicated cream ointments are used.
Ringworm Diagnosis
Ringworms are usually diagnosed by the observation of red lesions on the skin. But this is not a very accurate way and this could misdiagnose.
Few ringworms causing fungi show fluorescence under black light. This is also a widely used method for ringworm diagnosis.
In another method of diagnosis potassium hydroxide(KOH) solution is used. KOH solution breaks apart normal skin cells which makes it easier to observe the fungal colony under a microscope.
Ringworm Under Microscope
The microscopic view of trichophyton is given below and we can study the characteristics of fungi in a culture of trichophyton under a microscope.
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FAQs on Ringworm
1. Is ringworm actually caused by a worm?
No, despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a common fungal infection of the skin, hair, or nails. The disease gets its name from the characteristic circular, red, and itchy rash that resembles a worm in a ring shape. The medical term for this condition is dermatophytosis.
2. What are the main causative agents of ringworm mentioned in the CBSE syllabus?
According to the CBSE Class 12 Biology syllabus for 2025-26, ringworm is caused by several types of fungi, known as dermatophytes. The most common genera responsible for this infection are:
- Microsporum
- Trichophyton
- Epidermophyton
3. How is ringworm transmitted from one person to another?
Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through various modes of transmission. Key ways it spreads include:
- Direct contact: Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
- Indirect contact: Touching contaminated objects (fomites) such as towels, clothes, combs, or bed linens used by an infected person.
- Zoonotic transmission: Contact with infected pets like cats and dogs.
- Soil contact: Coming into contact with contaminated soil where the fungi reside.
4. What are the classic symptoms of a ringworm infection?
The primary symptom of ringworm is the appearance of a distinctive lesion on the skin. The main characteristics include:
- A red, scaly, and itchy rash.
- The rash often takes on a circular or ring-like shape with raised edges.
- The centre of the ring may appear clear or less scaly, creating a 'ring' appearance.
- Infections on the scalp (tinea capitis) can cause hair loss, while infections on the nails (tinea unguium) can cause them to become thick, discoloured, and brittle.
5. Why does a ringworm lesion often appear as a 'ring'?
The 'ring' shape is a result of how the fungus grows on the skin. The infection starts at a central point and the fungus spreads outwards in a circular pattern, consuming the keratin in the skin as its food source. As the fungus expands, the outer edge remains the most active site of infection, appearing red and raised. The centre of the lesion may start to heal and clear up, which creates the characteristic ring-like appearance.
6. How do the fungi that cause ringworm survive and thrive on human skin?
The fungi responsible for ringworm, known as dermatophytes, are uniquely adapted to live on the skin. They produce enzymes called keratinases, which allow them to digest keratin, the tough, fibrous protein that makes up our skin, hair, and nails. This protein serves as their primary source of nutrition. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why infections are common in areas like the groin, feet, and scalp, especially in humid climates or after sweating.
7. What is the difference between tinea corporis, tinea capitis, and tinea pedis?
These are all types of ringworm infections, but the name 'tinea' is classified based on the location of the fungal infection on the body:
- Tinea corporis: This is ringworm of the body, appearing on smooth skin areas like the arms, legs, or torso.
- Tinea capitis: This refers to ringworm on the scalp, which often leads to itchy patches and hair loss.
- Tinea pedis: Commonly known as Athlete's Foot, this is a ringworm infection of the feet, particularly between the toes.
8. What preventive measures can be taken to avoid a ringworm infection?
Preventing ringworm involves practising good personal hygiene and avoiding sources of infection. Key preventive steps include:
- Keeping your skin clean and dry, especially after sweating.
- Avoiding sharing personal items like towels, clothing, hairbrushes, and sports gear.
- Wearing slippers or sandals in public areas like locker rooms, pools, and communal showers.
- Regularly washing bedding and clothes in hot water if an infection is present in the household.
- Checking pets for signs of ringworm (like patches of missing fur) and seeking veterinary care if needed.
