Ringworm - Causes
The fungus that causes ringworm is spread from one person to another. Sometimes this happens through direct contact. An infected person may touch someone who does not have the disease and directly transfer the fungus to the second person.
At other times, the fungus is transferred indirectly. For example, people with ringworm may leave the fungus on towels, hairbrushes, or other objects. A second person may then pick up the fungus while handling these objects.
Certain conditions increase the risk of spreading the fungi (more than one fungus) that cause ringworm. These include dampness, humidity, and dirty, crowded living conditions.
- Fungus:
- A large group of organisms that includes mold, mildew, rust fungi, yeast, and mushrooms, some of which may cause disease in humans and other animals.
- Lesion:
- A change in the structure or appearance of a part of the body as the result of an injury or infection.
- Tinea corporis:
- Scientific name for body ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin that it can affect any part of the body except the scalp, feet, and facial area.
- Tinea capitis:
- Scalp ringworm, a fungal infection of the scalp.
- Tinea cruris;
- An fungal infection that affects the groin and can spread to the buttocks, inner thighs, and external genitalia; also called "jock itch."
- Tinea unguium:
- Ringworm of the nails; a fungal infection that usually begins at the tip of a toenail.
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: