By Ryan Gilley and Michael Lee RingWorm By Ryan Gilley and Michael Lee

Ringworm Definition Ringworm is a skin infection due to a fungus. Often, there are several patches of ringworm on your skin at once. Ringworm is fungal. Started in 1908. Been around for 105 years. Ring worms appear as a small red raised ring under the skin. Ringworm is a general name for several kinds of skind diseases that are caused by tiny fungi.

How does it spread? Ringworm can be passed from person to person by direct skin-to-skin contact. It can also be passed by having contact with items or surfaces such as combs, bed linens, stuffed animals, and shower and pool surfaces, an infected person has touched.

Ringworm on a Cellular Level

Treatment Ringworm is treated in much the same way as "athlete's foot". Topical creams containing anti- fungal properties are applied twice a day for about 4 weeks or until symptoms disappear, plus one additional week. In case of severe or extensive disease an oral antifungal may be given.

5 symptoms Symptoms of ringworm include: Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches tend to have sharply-defined edges. Red patches are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center. This may look like a ring. If ringworm affects your hair, you will have bald patches.

Current Research Doctors and labs say to: Stop sharing. Despite Kindergarten teacher claims, sharing is not always a good idea, especially when ringworm is involved. Keep skin and hair clean and dry. Frequent washing the skin and hair will rid the skin of the fungus that causes ringworm, but thoroughly drying off after washing is just as crucial. Keep personal items clean and dry. Spend extra time cleaning personal items like sheets, bedding, pillowcases, clothing, socks, shoes, towels, washcloths, hairbrushes, combs and makeup brushes thoroughly every day if a confirmed case of ringworm is in the area.

Who is most susceptible? Children are most likely to get ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp can spread from child to child when children share hats, combs, or brushes. More common in men than in women.

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