In-Depth
What are tinea infections (ringworm)?
Different fungi, depending on their location on the child's body, can cause ringworm, a condition characterized by a ring-shaped red, scaly rash or patches with clearing centers. "Ringworm" is a misleading term that refers to the circular appearance of the fungal lesion. There are no worms involved.
There is an increased risk of contracting ringworm if your child:
- is malnourished
- has poor hygiene
- lives in a warm climate
- has contact with other children or pets that have ringworm
- is immunocompromised by disease or medication
What are the most common types of ringworm?
The most common types of ringworm include:
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis or foot ringworm)
- This common condition mostly affects teen and adult males.
- It less frequently affects children before puberty.
- Contributing causes include sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes, and warm weather conditions.
- Symptoms of athlete's foot may include:
- whitening of the skin between the toes
- scaling of the feet
- itchy rash on the feet
- blisters on the feet
Jock itch (tinea cruris or groin ringworm)
- This condition is also more common in males and occurs more often during warm weather conditions.
- It is very rare in females.
- Symptoms of jock itch may include:
- red, ring-like patches in the groin area
- itching in the groin area
- pain in the groin area
- does not usually involve the scrotum
Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis)
- Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children.
- It occurs mainly in children between the ages of 2 to 10.
- It rarely occurs in adults.
- Symptoms of scalp ringworm may include:
- red, scaly rash on the scalp
- itching of the scalp
- hair loss on the scalp
- rash elsewhere on the body
- Ringworm of the scalp can also develop into a kerion, a large, tender lesion over the area of the initial ringworm.
- This is caused by a hypersensitivity to the ringworm and my be associated with a rash elsewhere and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Nail ringworm (tinea unguium)
- An infection of the fingernail or toenail, characterized by a thickened, deformed nail.
- This condition more often affects the toenails than the fingernails.
- This occurs more often in adolescents and adults rather than young children.
- Symptoms of nail ringworm may include:
- thickening of the ends of the nails
- yellow color to the nails
Body ringworm (tinea corporis)
- This skin infection is characterized by a ring-like rash anywhere on the body or the face.
- It occurs in all ages but is seen more frequently in children. It is more common in warmer climates.
- The symptoms of body ringworm may include:
- red, circular lesion with raised edges
- the middle of the lesion may become less red as the lesion grows
- itching of the affected area
The symptoms of ringworm may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.