What is ringworm? Despite its name, and quite the opposite to popular belief, ringworm is not really a worm. It is a fungal infection which can occur on various parts of the body, on the scalp and on the feet and/or under nails. The fungal organisms from which ringworm originates are called dermatophytes, and these have different effects, depending on which part of the body they occur on.

Depending also on the part of the body on which it occurs, ringworm is often referred to by different names, such as tinea, athlete's foot, nail fungus and scalp fungus.

How could I get ringworm? As the fungal organisms which cause ringworm are discrete and live outside the body, they can be easily picked up from infected humans or animals. There are several different ways in which you can 'catch' ringworm. The most common way is by direct contact with an infected human or with an infected animal - cats and dogs are probably the most common sources of ringworm infestation for humans.

Ringworm infestation is also possible through contact with something that the person or animal infected with ringworm has touched, and less commonly, by walking barefoot on soil where the fungal organisms may have fallen from an infected person or animal. Skin ringworm usually develops within 10 days of the initial contact with a source of infection. Scalp ringworm may take up to 14 days after contact to develop.

What are the symptoms of ringworm? The most often seen form of ringworm is when it appears on the skin as round, red rings - hence the name 'ringworm'. These 'rings' appear following a patchy rash which is often itchy and uncomfortable. Scalp ringworm however, first appears as a bump with a crusty pimple-like top and may lead to patchy hair loss. Athlete's foot, which is ringworm occurring on the feet, appears as itching, scaly, cracking skin between the toes. Nail ringworm manifests itself as thick, brittle, discolored nails.

How do I treat ringworm? As ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, it can be eradicated by using an appropriate fungicide. As skin types vary, and as the exact nature of the infecting fungal organisms may vary depending on a number of factors, including geographical location, you should consult your doctor who will prescribe, or recommend, the correct ringworm treatment for you.