Do I Have Ringworm?

Do you have red or pink skin patches (or spots) that may be either flat or slightly raised (if you have a darker skin, the patches tend to be brown or gray)?

Do you have dry, scaly skin?

Do you feel itching, which is often intense in the affected area?

Do you have a scaly ring-shaped area on your skin with a red, raised border?

Do you have a clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of red bumps?

Do your patches grow slowly, increasing in size and appearing on more areas of your body?

Do you have areas on your skin that look like overlapping rings?

Do you have thick nails that have changed in shape and color?

Do you have hair loss on the affected area of your skin (if there was hair in that area)?

Do you often use public showers or locker rooms?

Does your pet or a family member already have ringworm?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have ringworm. Ringworm is a contagious skin infection caused by fungi. The name “ringworm” comes from the circular, ring-like shape of the rash that appears on your skin and has nothing to do with worms. Almost 40 different types of fungi can cause ringworm. It is a common skin infection in the US, and about 20% of Americans have ringworm at any given time. A high risk for ringworm have people who use public showers or locker rooms, people who have close contact with animals, athletes involved in contact sports (wrestling) and people with weak immune system.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have ringworm. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection of your skin. Don’t be confused by the name of this condition – ringworm is not caused by worms, but by fungi called dermatophytes. The infection can be easily spread in direct contact with an infected person or animal and symptoms usually appear after 4 to 14 days. Diagnosing ringworm can be difficult because the symptoms may be similar to other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. Your doctor will probably send a small sample of the infected skin to a laboratory for a fungal culture.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have ringworm. Ringworm is a skin infection caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. This condition is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from an infected person to others. Ringworm is a superficial fungal infection and rarely spreads below the surface of your skin, but people with weak immune system may have a problem with persistent ringworm. Treatment depends on how serious the infection is. Ringworm can be treated with topical medications that you apply to the affected skin, such as lotions, creams or ointments. In cases with extensive infection, your doctor might prescribe antifungal pills.