We use the term ringworm or tinea when referring to several types of contagious fungal infections of the top layer of the skin and scalp, as well as the nails. We call it ringworm because the itchy, red rash has a ring-like appearance. There is no connection between ringworm and worms.
Dermatologists (skin specialist doctors) say that approximately 10% to 20% of us will develop one or more fungal infections in our lifetime.
According to Medilexicon’s medical dictionary, tinea (ringworm) is “A fungus infection (dermatophytosis) of the keratin component of hair, skin, or nails. Genera of fungi causing such infection are Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton.”
We classify ringworm according to which part of the body is affected. The most common ones are: Tinea captis (scalp ringworm), Tinea corporis (skin or body ringworm), Tinea cruris (groin infection), Onychomycosis (Fungal nail infection), Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).
Scalp ringworm – much more common among young children than children who have reached puberty. Adults can be affected, but this is rare. When a human enters puberty the glands in the scalp change, resulting in a scalp that is less attractive to fungi.
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