Ringworm is a general name for several kinds of skin diseases that are caused by tiny fungi. Itching may or may not be a symptom. Common ringworm of the skin is often seen on children. It begins as a small red area the size of a split pea. This grows larger, and sometimes reaches the size of a silver dollar. The inside of the area clears, and the eruption appears as a red, scaly ring. There may be one or several patches. This form of ringworm occurs on the non-hairy parts of the body.
Ringworm is highly infectious, but it can usually be easily cured if treated with local applications of fungicidal compounds as advised by a physician. The spots of this type of ringworm may disappear without treatment after a few weeks, or they may persist for months. Body ringworm may attack persons of any age. Flat yellowish or brownish patches may appear on the patient’s neck, back, chest, or abdomen.
Ringworm of the hands and feet is another common ailment, and has three types. A soft, white area between the toes, especially the part next to the little toe, may be interdigital ringworm, commonly called athlete’s foot. It may not cause discomfort, but is sometimes followed by the vesicular form, which causes eruptions of blisters on the hands and feet. Keratotic ringworm is less common but more persistent than these forms. This disease is usually limited to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The affected areas are dry, slightly thickened, and slightly reddened.
Ringworm may also occur on the hairy parts of the body. Children are especially susceptible to ringworm of the scalp, which they sometimes contract from other children or from dogs and cats. Epidemics of ringworm of the scalp may occur in schools. If ringworm appears in a family, affected people should use only their own combs and other personal items.
