What is a Ringworm?

Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus that is highly contagious. It is very important if someone in your family has ringworm to seek treatment immediately to prevent other family members from getting it. Your family doctor will usually treat the infection with an anti-fungal cream or antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms

• Ringworm will sometimes appear in the form of a circle. It was cause an extremely itchy, red rash in the affected area.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor may take a sample of the rash by scraping the top layer of skin. He will then examine it under a microscope to identify the ringworm fungus.

Treatment

• Ringworm can often be treated with over-the-counter fungal creams available at your local drug store.

Misconceptions

• Ringworm is not caused by an actual worm, but rather by a fungus that has infected the skin.

Warning

• If treatment is not sought, the rash may blister and crack, resulting in a bacterial infection that will require antibiotics.