• What is ringworm of the body?

    A fungal infection

    Ringworm of the body is a common fungal infection that affects the major skin surfaces of the body. It is highly contagious and easily spread by contact with a contaminated surface or from one person to another.

    Ringworm is also a common infection in animals and can spread easily from pets to humans.

    Although anyone can get ringworm of the body, some people are more prone to the infection:

    • Inhabitants of warm, humid climates
    • People who sweat excessively
    • People who have close contact with an infected person or animal.
    Close up of tinea of the body, ringworm, tinea corporis, red, raised bumps, blister, round lesion
    What is ringworm of the body?
  • A fungal infection

    A fungal infection

    Where is it?

    Found on the major skin surfaces but does not involve the hands, face, feet, groin or scalp.

    What does it look like?

    Red or pink patches, with an almost normal skin-coloured centre. The borders of these ring-shaped areas are usually well defined and slightly raised, and may have pimple- or blister-like lumps. The spots can be singular or overlap to form a much larger rash, and the skin often appears scaly.

     

    How does it feel?

    Itchy.

    Anything else I should know?

    Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm. It was originally named ringworm because the ring-shaped rash looks like a worm under the skin. Also known as tinea corporis.

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