Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin; it is also referred to as dermatophytosis, tinea, or dermatophyte infection. It’s characterized by a circular ring-shaped rash, hence the name ringworm. However, it’s not associated with a worm.
Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, is a superficial dermatophyte infection of the skin that affects all parts of the body except the hands (tinea manuum), feet (tinea pedis), scalp (tinea capitis), bearded areas (tinea barbae), face (tinea faciei), groin (tinea cruris), and nails (onychomycosis or tinea unguium).
Tinea corporis is caused by dermatophytes from one of three genera: Trichophyton (infections of the skin, hair, and nails), Microsporum (infections of the skin and hair), and Epidermophyton (infections of the skin, hair, and nails) (which causes infections on skin and nails).
Dermatophytes are classified as anthropophilic, zoophilic, or geophilic based on whether their major source is human, animal, or dirt. 4,5 Because tinea corporis is a widespread fungal infection and many other annular lesions can resemble it, clinicians must be conversant with its etiology and treatment.
Ringworm can develop in humans as well as animals. Initially, the infection develops in red patches around the affected part of the skin and can spread to other body parts. It can form in the scalp, nails, groin, feet, beard, and other regions. Typically, it’s an infectious condition that can spread from one person to another via direct contact.