What Causes Ringworm?

Ringworm, a skin infection, has nothing to do with worms, but in past centuries, doctors thought the round rash was caused by a worm. In reality, ringworm is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that live on the skin’s dead outer layer. Being infected with these microscopic organisms is called dermaphytosis. Several areas of the body can become infected with dermatophytes: infection of the skin (tinea corporis); infection of the scalp (tinea capitis); infection of the feet (commonly called athlete’s foot, tinea pedis); infection of the groin area (commonly called jock itch, tenea cruris) or infection of the nail (onychomycosis).

  • Ringworm is a common fungal infection that infects people of all ages, but children seem especially susceptible. 
  • Ringworm on the skin is characterized by an itchy, peeling, scaly, crusted rash. Some ringworm infections form a circular rash, but many do not. 
  • Ringworm of the foot is characterized by red, itchy scaling skin; it is mostly found between the toes
  • Ringworm of the scalp causes itching and hair loss. It can cause an infection within the hair shafts that makes the hair brittle, so it breaks off the scalp.
  • Ringworm of the nail causes nails to become brittle, thick and discolored.
Causes of Ringworm

Ringworm occurs when those dermatophytes multiply and grow. What causes those pesky organisms to grow?
 
  1. Ringworm thrives in moist, warm areas, so it can grow in skin folds or anywhere wetness, such as sweating, collects.
  2. If there have been minor injuries to the scalp, skin or nails, these areas are susceptible to ringworm occurring.
  3. Ringworm is contagious. Adults and children can acquire ringworm from direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Animals can infect their owners. Cats are notorious carriers of ringworm and they sometimes don’t have any symptoms. Dogs will usually have bald patches of fur. 
  4. In addition, a person can become infected with ringworm from indirect contact with any surface of object that an infected person or animal has touched. For example, ringworm can be picked up from unwashed towels, hats, brushes, bed linens, stuffed animals, telephones, combs and clothing. Tinea Pedis can be picked from pool, gym mats or shower surfaces. 
  5. Soil can also contain dermtophytes that can be spread to those who come in contact with it; however, this is a rare occurrence.
Risk Factors

If people have any of these rick factors, they are at higher risk for getting ringworm
  • Close contact with infected animals or people.
  • Live in a humid, damp or crowded environment
  • Sweat profusely
  • Participate in contact athletic sports
  • Have a compromised immune system
  • Wear clothing that are too tight
Even though dermatophytes are hardy organisms, they rarely infect deeper layers of the skin since they live on the protein only found in the top layer of the skin. Ringworm is also easily treatable with over-the-counter medicines, or for more severe cases, prescription medication can be taken.
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