Ringworm Symptoms & Causes

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.