Overview
Ringworm is a common, very itchy fungal infection of the skin, despite its name it has nothing to do with worms. It makes a red, scaly, ring-shaped patch with a clearer centre and spreads easily through touch, shared clothes, towels and the warm humid Indian climate. It responds well to antifungal creams, but widespread or stubborn cases that have often been made worse by steroid creams need proper medical treatment.
Symptoms
- Itchy, red, ring-shaped patches with a scaly border
- A clearer area in the centre of each patch
- Patches that slowly enlarge and spread
- Itching that worsens with sweat and heat
- Spread to the groin, feet or scalp
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if patches spread, keep coming back, cover a large area, or have been treated with steroid creams.
Causes
Dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warmth and moisture, spread by skin contact, shared items, pets and sweaty clothing. Steroid creams make it worse.