The name "ringworm" affects and terrifies, but Ringworm is not, as its name indicates, caused by a worm - "ringworm" or "ringworms" means fungal infection resulting from dermatophytes, which are microscopical organisms that live on the dead layer of ceratin protein on cover of the dead external layer of human skin, hair or nails. Dermatophytes rarely intrude on deeper into the body and can't live on mucose membranes.

The medical term for ringworm is tinea (Tinea is the Latin name for a raising worm). Physicians impart additional word to show where the fungus is located. Tinea capitis, for example, relates to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body, tinea pedis to fungus of the feet etc. Some of these fungi raise round spots on the skin, but many don't. On the other hand, many round spots on the skin are undue to a fungal infection.

The calculated lifetime risk of acquiring any skin-deep fungal infection is 20%-30%.

Direct contact with infected people, animals, or nonliving objects, such toiletrieses, clothing and even by infected shower or pool surfaces transmits the ringworm infection. Most ringworm infections consequence from human dermatophytes.

Animals can also be affected by ringworm and may transmit the infection to humans, so, you can acquire ringworm through exposure to animals (usually the household pet). Cats are the most typically affected pets. In animals, ringworm makes raised, ring-shaped areas that frequently are encrusted over and associated with hair loss. However, some infected cats may also carry the fungus without showing up any symptoms, but infected dogs almost always show the typic skin symptoms of ringworm.

A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapes under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the correct diagnose.

A proper diagnosing is important to successful ringworm treatment.