How to Know if You Have Ringworm

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An easy guide to recognizing the signs of this common fungal infection
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Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, not a worm. [1] These fungi are microscopic organisms that thrive on the dead tissues of the skin, hair and nails. It is called ringworm because of the characteristic rings of blisters and scaly skin that form once the infection spreads. [2] You can contract ringworm if you come into contact with a person or animal who has ringworm and if you share items like hats, brushes, combs, towels, and clothing with an infected person. [3] Ringworm is easily remedied if the symptoms are detected early. If you are looking for information on how to treat ringworm, click here.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Recognizing the Symptoms of Scalp Ringworm

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  1. Ringworm can cause small patches of scaly skin on the scalp to develop. These spots may be sore and itchy. [4]
    • Sometimes scaly skin can be an indication you have dandruff, not ringworm. If you start to notice this symptom, get your scalp examined by a dermatologist to determine if you have a ringworm infection.
  2. Hair loss caused by ringworm starts in small patches that are generally the size of a coin. As the disease progresses, the hair loss spot will start to grow in size and may form a ring shape, hence the name “ringworm”. [5]
    • Your hair may break off, leaving stubble that looks like small black dots. The bald patches may be scaly and swollen.
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  3. As scalp ringworm progresses, small, pus-filled sores can begin to develop on the scalp, called a kerion. The skin may also begin to "crust" —it will look like very dry flaky skin that you can peel off. These are all signs that the infection has gotten worse and requires immediate medical care. [6]
    • If you have oozing and tender sores on your scalp, you should get them treated right away as they can cause permanent scarring and hair loss.
    • If you have a kerion, you may also develop a fever and swollen lymph nodes. Your body will try to fight the ringworm by raising the temperature of your body, leading to a fever. Your lymph nodes will also swell as they try to get the infection out of your blood. [7]
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Part 2
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Recognizing the Symptoms of Body and Foot Ringworm

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  1. Body ringworm can appear on your face, your neck, and your hands, often in the form of red blisters in a ring shape. [8]
    • If you have ringworm on your face and neck, you may have itchy, swollen skin that becomes dry and crusty; however, these symptoms may not appear in a ring shape. If you develop beard ringworm, you may notice chunks of hair are missing from your beard. You can take steps to hide ringworm in these highly visible areas.
    • Hand ringworm can cause the skin of your palms and your fingers to appear thicker or raised. It may affect one hand or both hands, and your hands may appear normal on one side and thicker or raised on the other side.
    • In more severe cases, the red blisters on your body can spread, grow in size and merge. These blisters will be slightly raised when touched and very itchy. Pus filled sores may also start to develop around the rings.
  2. Groin ringworm, also known as Jock Itch, is a type of body ringworm that generally forms around the inner thighs and buttocks. Look for red or brown sores in these areas, though they may not appear in the shape of a ring. These sores may also be pus filled. [9]
    • You may also have large patches of red or itchy skin in your inner thigh and buttocks areas. However, ringworm will generally not affect the genital area.
  3. In the case of foot ringworm, also known as Athlete’s Foot, rashes will appear between your toes. You will also most likely experience an itching sensation that you can’t seem to get rid of. As the ringworm continues to progress, you may begin to feel a burning or stinging sensation on your feet and toes. [10]
    • You should also check the soles and sides of your feet for flakiness that resembles scales. If your ringworm has progressed this far, you should seek immediate medical care.
    • You can also get ringworm in your nails, also known as a fungal nail infection. Your nails may turn black, white, yellow, or green, they may turn brittle and fall off, or the skin around your nails may become sore. [11]
  4. 4
    See a doctor for a proper diagnosis. There are many skin conditions that can have an identical appearance to ringworm, so it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment when this skin issue is suspected. [12]
    • There are many over-the-counter products targeted towards ringworm.
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Part 3
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Knowing the Risk Factors

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  1. Like many fungal infections, ringworm thrives in moist environments. Limit your exposure to ringworm by wearing shower shoes in the locker room and washing your hands before and after every workout. You should also always wipe down gym equipment, including workout mats, before and after use to prevent the spread of an infection. [13]
    • As soon as you are done with your workout, you should change out of your gym clothes so you are not wearing sweaty clothing that can allow fungi to thrive and grow. You should also never share your towel when you workout and wash all clothing and towels after every use.
    • If you swim at a public pool, you should practice good locker room and pool hygiene. Always wear shoes in the showers and shower before and after you go into the water.
    • Make sure you dry off completely after showering.
  2. Prevent the spread of ringworm by not lending out any personal care items, especially if ringworm has been going around your classroom or your office. Keep your hair brushes, combs, sporting equipment, and towels clean so you do not encourage the growth of fungus like ringworm. [14]
  3. If your pet has fur or hair, she may have bald spots in her fur or hair, as well as red blisters or scaly skin. Take your pet to the vet to check her for ringworm, as you can contract ringworm from an infected pet. [15]
    • Avoid touching your pet if she has ringworm and wear gloves around her. You should also wash your hands before and after touching any animal in the event they are carrying a fungal infection.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do you need to see a doctor if you have ringworm?
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, it's best to see your doctor if you suspect you have ringworm. Some conditions look the same as ringworm, and your doctor can make a proper diagnosis.
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  • Question
    What causes ringworm in humans?
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
    Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
    Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    You might think ringworm is caused by a worm, but, fortunately, that's not true. Ringworm is actually caused by a fungus called dermatophytes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    I have only one round patch on my leg can it still be ringworm?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can have an isolated ringworm infection. Check with your doctor so that they can do and examination and prescribe your the correct medication.
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      Tips

      • Ringworm can be treated by over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments. Look for products containing miconazole or clotrimazole. Treatment can take from two to four weeks.
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      • Don’t scratch, because it could spread if you touch another part of your body afterwards.
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      References

      1. ↑ Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tineainfections.html
      3. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/causes/index.html
      4. ↑ https://patient.info/infections/fungal-infections/fungal-scalp-infection-scalp-ringworm
      5. ↑ https://patient.info/infections/fungal-infections/ringworm-tinea-corporis
      6. ↑ https://patient.info/infections/fungal-infections/fungal-scalp-infection-scalp-ringworm
      7. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/article.htm
      8. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
      9. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
      1. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm
      2. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
      3. ↑ Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
      4. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/page13.htm
      5. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/page13.htm
      6. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/page13.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you think you have ringworm and want to know for sure, start by checking your scalp for scaly skin or hair loss in the shape of a ring. Also, look for small, pus-filled sores and crusty skin, which are signs that the infection has gotten worse and needs immediate medical care. To know if you have body ringworm, inspect your face, neck, and hands for blisters in a ring shape that will be slightly raised when touched and very itchy. Make sure to see your doctor for medication if you’re showing signs of ringworm. To learn more from our Medical co-author, including how to recognize groin or foot ringworm, read on.

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