Many answers are searched when it comes to ringworm. We know that it is a fungal infection that is very contagious and spreads in different ways. It is caused by microorganisms called dermatophytes that live in the dead tissues of the skin or any other structures related to the skin such as hair or nails. This infections name comes from the shape of the rashes that occur. In most of the cases the patches developed are round and flat with a clear center just like a ring. It has nothing to do with worms.

Also called tinea, ringworm is a problem that can affect all parts of the human body and not only. Ringworm might also affect animals.

It is also known that if once developed ringworm your chances to develop it again do not reduce at all.

Symptoms may be different in every case but some general symptoms are known to be itchy, burning and flaky rash that is in circular shape. The skin might also be dry and scaly. In scalp ringworm the symptoms are round patches of baldness. In many cases ringworm of the scalp begins as a small pimple that enlarges to a round patch affecting the hair making it fragile. As the ringworm spreads its center area clears.

Being very contagious, tinea or ringworm may spread through different ways. It can spread directly or indirectly. Directly it can spread from one person to another and not only. Being well known that animals can develop ringworm too there is a risk to catch the infection after a skin contact with a pet. Indirect, the infection might be caught after getting in contact with contaminated items such as clothes, sheets and other personal things. In few of the cases the infection might be a consequence of touching the soil. It is true that these cases are rare.

Ringworm is not a serious infection. In most of the cases it can be treated. Complications occur if the infected person has problems with its immune system or if it is suffering of diabetes or AIDS. Complications may also occur if ringworm is not treated. In this situation the infection can linger or become chronic.

The infection lasts until the fungus disappears from the skin lesion.

Hard to tell is how to prevent ringworm. The simplest measure to take in order to avoid ringworm is to avoid any type of contact with infected persons or pets.