Definition

Ringworm is a common infection with a misleading name. The disease is actually caused by a fungus, not a worm. There are many types of ringworm and each is caused by a different type of fungus.

Description

Ringworm gets its name from its appearance, not from the agent that causes it. The characteristic feature of ringworm is patches of rough, reddened skin. The patches often contain circular lesions (pronounced LEE-zhuns), open wounds, that look as if they were caused by tiny worms under the skin.

Over time, the lesions grow outward from their center. The center heals up and becomes hard and crusty. But the outer edges of the lesions become inflamed and spread outwards.

Types of Ringworm

The most common types of ringworm are often named for the part of the body on which they occur.

Body ringworm is also known as tinea corporis (pronounced tin-EE-uh...