The more you know about the real cause of ringworm, the better you can prevent it. You may think that ringworm is caused by a worm. Makes sense, “worm” is a part the disease’s name. Actually, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. Instead, ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. The name comes from the red ring that can appear on an infected person's skin. A ringworm infection can occur on the scalp, body, groin, feet, and nails. When it occurs on the feet, it is called athlete’s foot and when it occurs in the groin it is called jock itch.

Ringworm infections on all parts of the body are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which includes several different species. Dermatophytes live among the outer portion of the skin or on hair where they feed on the keratinized cells found in the upper layers of the epidermis. Any of these parasitic species may colonize skin that is warm and moist and they tend to grow best in places like locker rooms and swimming pools.

Ringworm is highly communicable and can spread in several ways. It can be passed from person to person via direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and can also spread when you share things like clothing or towels. Ringworm can be passed to people by infected animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and horses. The fungi can also be spread by contact with object or surfaces that were touched by an infected person or animal or, in rare cases, by contact with infected soil. If one part of your body is infected with the fungus that causes ringworm, it may spread from there to other body parts.

Sometimes ringworm causes a skin pattern in the shape of a ring, but not always. It is often just a red, itchy rash. Most ringworm of the skin can be treated at home with over-the-counter creams. If ringworm is not treated, the skin could blister, and the cracks could become infected with bacteria. If this happens, your doctor will need to prescribe antibiotics.

To help prevent ringworm, the National Institutes of Health recommends the following tips:

• Keep your skin and feet clean and dry.
• Shampoo regularly, especially after haircuts.
• Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, headgear, or other personal care items. These items should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use.
• Wear sandals or shoes at gyms, locker rooms, and pools.
• Avoid touching pets with bald spots.

Do you have a question about ringworm? Join Healia's health social networking site and talk with other members of the Skin Disease Community. Or you can Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.


_{Photo: CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg, Public Health Image Library}

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