How do ringworms appear

Tinea cruris, which is found in the groin area and is usually reddish-brown. Tinea manus or pedis, which is found on the hands or feet and shows up often in the spaces between the fingers and toes. It can cause thickening, itchy, scaling, red and itchy skin. It can also be on the heels or soles of the feet. Nails can be thickened, discolored, brittle and crumbly.

How is ringworm diagnosed and treated? Other ways to prevent ringworm: Encourage your child not to share clothing, towels, hair brushes and accessories, combs or other personal items with others.

Encourage your child to wear sandals in locker rooms or around a pool. If your child complains of itchiness, inspect their skin daily for signs of ringworm. Remind your child not to touch bald or itchy spots on pets.

Take your pet to the veterinarian if they contract ringworm. This will help avoid your pet from spreading the condition to the rest of the family and other pets. Blog Search Enter your keywords. Flu vs. Behavior and Development. CHLA Insights.

Essential Care. Hospital Events. Imagine Magazine. Inspiring Women. Ringworm on a shoulder Open pop-up dialog box Close. Ringworm on a shoulder Ringworm might appear as roundish, flat patches of itchy skin. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Allmon A, et al. Common skin rashes in children. American Family Physician. Ferri FF.

Tinea corporis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Accessed Aug. Office of Patient Education. Fungal infection: Ringworm of the body. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Goldstein AO, et al.

Dermatophyte tinea infections. Superficial fungal infection. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: August 21, Medically Reviewed. Types of ringworm include: Tinea pedis Athlete's foot ringworm on the feet Tinea cruris Jock itch ringworm on the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks Tinea barbae Ringworm on the beard area Tinea manuum Ringworm on the hands Tinea capitis Ringworm on the scalp Tinea unguium Onychomycosis ringworm on the fingernails and toenails Tinea corporis Ringworm on other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs.

The soles and heels of the feet may also be affected. In severe cases, blistering of the feet can occur. Tinea cruris, or jock itch Itchy, scaly red spots usually appear on the inner thighs. Tinea barbae Scaly, itchy red spots may be visible on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck. The spots may become crusty or fill up with pus, and hair loss may occur. Tinea manuum Palms may have dry skin with deep cracks, and ring-shaped patches may appear on the back of the hand. Ringworm on the scalp is more common in children than adults.

You can catch ringworm by: Having direct, skin-to-skin contact with affected areas of an infected person's body Touching items that have the fungi on them, such as clothing, combs, pool surfaces, and shower floors Playing with pets. Cats and dogs, and especially kittens and puppies, are common carriers, according to the National Institutes of Health NIH. Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian if you think it might have an infection. Try to avoid excessive sweating. Wash your hands often and well.

Shower right after playing sports and keep your uniform and gear clean. Avoid infected animals, and have your pets or animals checked for ringworm. Change your clothes, including your underwear and socks, every day, and wash them before wearing them again.

Wear waterproof shoes in locker rooms, public or shared showers, and pool areas. Disinfect or throw out clothes and items that may be infected with ringworm, or that you wore while you had ringworm. Wash towels and bedding that you use while you have ringworm in hot, soapy water. American Academy of Dermatology The AAD is the largest dermatological association, with a membership of more than 20, physicians worldwide. Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that performs clinical practice, education, and research.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. About Ringworm. April 9, Symptoms of Ringworm Infections. December 6, Ringworm: Signs and Symptoms. Ringworm Body : Symptoms and Diagnosis. September 13,