Ringworm is a fungal skin condition. It is itchy, red and scaly with a red ring around it. It is very contagious and is spread by direct contact with an infected pet or person. The ringworm appear around 10 to 14 days after being infected. In adults jock itch and athletes foot is the most common form of ringworm in adults.
Ring worm is caused by fungi. It can effect the scalp, fingers, nails, groin and feet. It is usually contracted from having close contact with infected animals but also can be transfered from one person to the other. Usually a crack or cut in the skin is how the fungi enter your skin.
The main characteristic of a ring worm infection on the skin is a patchy, scaly circular red shape. The scaly area is what forms the ring with the inside of the ring been less scaly. The ring worm is usually quite itchy.
The main characteristic of a ring worm infection on the scalp is a patch with no hair. Instead you will see a scaly, bumpy, red circular patch of red. In rare more severe cases a kerion may develop. This is a mass that discharges puss. This may cause alot of pain to the sufferer. If left untreated for some time it may result in alopecia and could be extremely hard to cure.
The main characteristic of a ring worm infection on the nails is the nail becoming a whitish appearence due to the tickening of the nail bed. If left untreated it may cause permanent damage to the nails.
