Overview

Ringworm, a.k.a dermatophytosis, is a fungal skin infection. This infection on the skin resembles a worm in the ring shape, hence the name.

Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe the ringworm of the body. 

It can affect people and creatures. The condition initially appears as red patches on affected skin areas and may later spread to other parts of the body, and it may affect the scalp, feet, nails, groin, beard, or other sites.

Symptoms

Symptoms differ depending on the infection area. One may experience the following:

• patches that are red, itchy, or scaly, or raised areas of skin called plaques
• patches that form blisters or pustules
• redder patches on the outer edges or resembling a ring
• patches with defined and elevated edges

If one is experiencing this in the nails, they may become thicker or discoloured or crack called dermatophytes onychomycosis or tinea unguium. If the scalp is affected, the hair around it may break or fall off, and bald patches may develop called tinea capitis.

Treatment

If non-prescription treatments don't work, one might need to take prescribed medication, like strong antifungal medications that one applies to the affected skin. If the infection is severe or extensive, antifungal pills may be prescribed. Some self-care tips for a mild case of ringworm are:

• Keeping the affected area cleaned and dried at all times.
• Applying an antifungal lotion, cream or ointment

Fact sheet

Frequency: 1-12 cases out of every 1,000 patients are affected with fungal infection in India.

PGC Resolution: Spreading knowledge and information, creating awareness, and providing medications and facilities to cure the existing ringworm conditions.