Ringworm Directory
Ringworm is a superficial skin infection, also known as tinea, that is caused by fungi, not a worm. It is so named because ringworm is characterized by a red ring of scaly skin. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how ringworm develops, what it looks like, its symptoms, treatment, and much more.
Medical Reference
Treating Athlete's Foot
The experts at WebMD tell you how to treat athlete's foot and prevent this stubborn condition from coming back.
Fungal Infections of the Skin
Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatments for common fungal infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.
Ringworm:Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
What’s itchy, scaly, round, and contagious? Ringworm, of course. Find out what it is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how it’s treated.
Understanding Ringworm -- Diagnosis and Treatment
Ringworm is itchy, scaly, and contagious. Luckily, it’s also treatable. Find out what meds work to kill the fungus, and what you can expect while using them.
Features
Summer Bummer: Skin Suffers
Infections, Insects, Sun, Pool Water -- They All Wreak Havoc on Skin
Minor Athlete Infections and Other Annoyances: How to Prevent and Treat Them
Herpes, athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, impetigo, swimmer’s hair, and more — find out how to prevent and treat minor athlete infections.
Slideshows & Images
Ringworm -- A Collection of Photos
Ringworm is a common skin infection otherwise known as tinea. It is caused by a fungus. While there are multiple forms of ringworm, the most common affect the skin on the body (tinea corporis), the scalp (tinea capitis), the feet (tinea pedis, or athlete's foot), or the groin (tinea cruris, or jock itch).
Picture of Ringworm
Ringworm is characterized by a red ring of small blisters or a red ring of scaly skin that grows outward as the infection spreads. Though children are especially susceptible to catching ringworm, it can affect adults as well.
Picture of Does Ringworm Mean I Have Worms?
Worms don't cause ringworm. Rather, this superficial skin infection, also known as tinea, is caused by fungi called dermatophytes.
Picture of Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis)
Ringworm of the skin usually causes a very itchy rash. It often makes a pattern in the shape of a ring.