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What Are the Causes of Multiple Forms of Ringworm?

The mention of ringworm to some people stirs up images of worms burrowing under the skin, but the condition has nothing to do with worms. The rash on the skin is round and appears in the shape of a worm. The condition can affect the skin and the scalp in humans. Animals can contract ringworm and transmit it to humans. Cats are most likely to pass the condition on to humans since they live in close contact with each other.

  1. Dermatophytes

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes ringworm as dermatophytes, a fungus that causes common conditions. Athlete's foot and jock itch are caused by dermatophytes. Nail fungal infections are also part of the dermatophyte infections or ringworm. The conditions are very contagious and can transmit from animal to human, human to human and object to human through clothing, towels and bedding. Close contact can spread the condition quickly, particularly with communal baths and contact sports. Institutions and schools are often sites of ringworm outbreaks.

    Children

    • School-age children acquire scalp ringworm more often than they receive other skin afflictions. Multiple forms of ringworm that appear on the scalp require oral medication and isolation from large gatherings until the condition clears up. Symptoms show spots on the scalp that are associated with hair loss and weeping sores. Itching is often the first symptom. Complications can result in secondary infections.

    Adolescents and Adults

    • Multiple forms of ringworm common among adolescents and adults include athlete's foot, nail fungus and ringworm on the skin. Public showers can spread the condition in schools and commercial gyms. Women who get nail manicures and pedicures can contract the dermatophytes from equipment. Skin ringworm comes from contact with a human or animal. Multiple forms of ringworm are a sign that the condition has spread and will continue to spread until treatment is enacted.

    Symptoms and Treatments

    • MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine's National Institutes of Health, describes symptoms as raised areas that itch, blister and weep. The edges are much defined, often a red round circle while the inside remains clear of inflammation. Nails become discolored and hardened. They can break easily or crumble. Nail ringworm is harder to treat than the other conditions. Foot dermatophytes cause the area around the toes to become red, itchy, burning, scaly, cracking and sometimes blistering. Treatment includes a fungicide cream or oral medication, depending on the severity of the condition. Medication given for the condition can interfere with the anti-coagulant drug warfarin, according to Mayo Clinic.

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