What is ringworm of the body?

Ringworm of the body is a skin infection caused by a fungus.
“Ringworm” is a misnomer — the infection has nothing to do with worms. Its name comes from the small, ring- or circle-shaped rash that appears on the body due to infection. In ringworm of the body, the rashes appear on skin regions except for the scalp, groin, palms of the hand, and soles of the feet.
The condition is common and highly contagious, but it’s not serious. It’s also sometimes referred to as “tinea corporis” after the type of fungus that causes the infection.

What causes ringworm of the body?

A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause ringworm. Dermatophytes live off a substance called keratin, a tissue found in many parts of a person’s body, including the nails, skin, and hair. In ringworm of the body, the fungus infects the skin.
Ringworm of the body is also called tinea corporisafter the specific dermatophyte, tinea. Other related ringworm fungal infections have similar names, including:
  • tinea pedis, commonly called athlete’s foot
  • tinea cruris, also known as jock itch
  • tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp

Symptoms of ringworm of the body

Image result for ringworm in microscopeSymptoms of ringworm of the body usually start about 4 to 10 days after contact with the fungus.
Ringworm of the body looks like ring- or circular-shaped rashes with edges that are slightly raised. The skin in the middle of these ring-shaped rashes appears healthy. Usually, the rashes are itchy. They will spread over the course of the infection
Symptoms of a more severe infection include rings that multiply and merge together. You may also develop blisters and pus-filled sores near the rings.


How is ringworm of the body spread?

A ringworm infection can be spread in many direct and indirect ways, including:
  • Person to person: This happens through direct contact with the skin of a person infected with ringworm.
  • Pet/animal to person: This occurs when you have direct contact with an infected pet. Both dogs and cats can spread the infection to people. Ferrets, horses, rabbits, goats, and pigs can also spread ringworm to people.
  • Inanimate item to person: It’s possible to get ringworm through indirect contact with objects, including hair of an infected person, bedding, clothing, shower stalls, and floors.
  • Soil to person: Rarely, a ringworm infection can be spread through contact with highly infected soil for an extended amount of time.

Who’s at risk for ringworm infection?

Children are more prone to infection by ringworm of the body compared with adults. However, pretty much everyone has some risk for being infected. According to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, about 10 to 20 percent of people will be infected by a fungus at some point in their lives.
Factors that may increase your risk include:
  • living in damp or humid areas
  • excessive sweating
  • participating in contact sports
  • wearing tight clothing
  • having a weak immune system
  • sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with others

How is ringworm diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you may have ringworm, they’ll examine your skin and may do some tests to rule out other skin conditions not caused by fungus, like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Usually a skin examination will result in a diagnosis.
Your doctor may also observe skin scrapings from the affected area under a microscope to look for fungus. A sample may be sent to a laboratory for confirmation. The laboratory may perform a culture test to see if the fungus grows.


How is ringworm treated?

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical fungicidal medications are usually enough to treat the infection. The medication may be in the form of a powder, ointment, or cream. It’s applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. These medications include OTC products like:
  • clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
  • miconazole (Micatin)
  • terbinafine (Lamisil)
  • tolfaftate (Tinactin)
Shop for OTC antifungal medication.
Your pharmacist can also help you choose which one is right for you.
If the ringworm of the body is widespread, severe, or does not respond to the above medications, your doctor may prescribe a stronger topical medication or a fungicidal that you take by mouth. Griseofulvin is a commonly prescribed oral treatment for fungal infections.

Potential complications of ringworm infection

The infection is not serious and will rarely, if ever, spread below the surface of the skin. However, people with a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV or AIDS, may have trouble getting rid of the infection.
As with other types of skin infections and conditions, itchy, irritated, or broken skin can lead to secondary bacterial infections that may need treatment with antibiotics.

How can ringworm infections be prevented?

Ringworm of the body can be prevented by avoiding contact with someone who has the infection. This includes both indirect and direct contact with that person.
Take the following precautions:
  • Avoid sharing towels, hats, hairbrushes, and clothing with someone who has the infection.
  • Take your pet to see a vet if you suspect a ringworm infection.
  • If you have ringworm of the body, be sure to maintain good personal hygiene around other people and avoid scratching the affected areas of your skin.
  • After a shower, dry your skin well — especially between the toes and where skin touches skin, such as in the groin and armpits.