How to Diagnose Ring Worm

Ringworm is an infection caused by tinea, a fungus that can grow on the skin, hair or nails. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. The ringworm infection spreads out in a circle, and it may have a raised edge that resembles a worm under the skin, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Ringworm is contagious, and it may be spread through skin-to-skin contact, damp surfaces and even from pets to people. Ringworm can usually be treated successfully with anti-fungal creams.

Instructions

Ringworm Diagnosis

• 1

  Note the appearance of the lesions. Ringworm appears as elevated red, scaly patches that may blister and ooze, according to the National Library of Medicine. The lesions may look like well-defined circles with normal skin in the middle. If ringworm appears on your scalp, you will have bald patches. If it affects nails, they may be thick, discolored and crumbling.

• 2

  Consider ringworm if the circular lesions itch. Skin affected by tinea can become extremely itchy.

• 3

  See your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. If a diagnosis cannot be made by appearance alone, the skin may be viewed under a special blue lamp to see if the fungus appears fluorescent. Skin scrapings can also be viewed under a microscope to confirm the ringworm diagnosis.