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Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It can affect the skin of your body, feet, and groin areas as well as the scalp. Ringworm is a common skin disorder among children that occurs when a certain type of fungus grows and multiplies on the skin, scalp, or nails.

Ringworm is contagious, and it can be passed from one person to another by direct skin to skin contact or contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, and showers. Ringworm-causing fungi grow quickly in warm and moist areas. It is more likely to affect people who sweat frequently.

Common symptoms of ringworm include itchy, red, and raised scaly patches that may blister and ooze. These patches have sharply defined edges and are redder around the outside. Because of this, patches may appear as a ring. Doctors diagnose ringworm primarily based on the appearance of it on the skin. The fungus may appear florescent when examined in blue light in a dark room. A more definitive diagnosis can be made by scraping the skin from the affected areas and examining the cells under a microscope.

A ringworm fungal infection can result in baldness. Ringworm of the scalp begins as a small pimple and it spreads outward leaving fine, scaly patches of temporary baldness. The infected hair turns brittle and breaks off easily. Ringworm of the scalp may be spread by sharing hats or combs.

Baldness due to ringworm is relatively easy to diagnose and cure. The treatment usually consists of applying an antifungal cream and taking prescription medication. Common species of fungi affecting the human scalp are microsporum canis and tricophyton verrucosum. Ringworm of the scalp shows symptoms such as hair loss and scaly scalp without irritation. In severe cases, a swollen mass discharging pus (kerion) appears on the scalp. Treatment for ringworm of the scalp should be started as soon as possible to avoid the spreading of fungal infection.