There are various types of ringworm infection. Read on, to learn about the infection symptoms in humans on various body areas.
Ringworm is a common type of skin disease, which usually affects children. However, it can affect people of all ages. Its name suggest a worm, but this skin disease is not caused due to a worm, but rather due to a fungus. On our body different types of bacteria and fungi live, some are useful to the body, while others can multiply and cause infection. It occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in a particular body region, which can be scalp, nail, groin, feet, etc. It is contagious, and hence one needs to treat this infection immediately and avoid sharing personal items with others. This will ensure that the infection doesn’t spread.
Skin Symptoms
The condition in which a person gets ringworm infection on the body is called tinea corporis. If a person gets the infection on the skin, then the symptoms experienced are:
- A ring like formation of red rash on the skin
- The rings can multiply or become larger, sometimes the rings can blend with each other
- The rings will feel slightly raised to touch
- The rash may feel itchy
- In severe conditions, blisters can form around the rings
Scalp Symptoms
Tinea capitis is the scalp ringworm infection. When this infection occurs on the scalp, a person might show these signs and symptoms:
- Patchy hair loss
- Small scaly patches on the skin, which look like sores
- Itching of the infected region on the scalp
- Severe symptoms like appearance of rash, crusting on the scalp, and blistering can also occur
Nail Symptoms
Tinea unguium fungal infection affects fingernails and toenails. Toenail or fingernail fungal infection symptoms are:
- Yellow coloring of the infected nails
- The ends of the nail can become thick
- The color of the nails can change to black or green
- Occurrence of brittle nails that tend to fall off
- Skin surrounding the nail can become sore and irritated
Foot Symptoms
The fungal infection that affects feet is called Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). The symptoms of this condition are:
- A rash, usually between toes is observed
- The rash can be scaly, dry, itchy, or red
- There might be cracked skin in the affected area
- Blistering might also occur
- The affected skin can swell
- Burning sensation of the infected skin can occur
- You might observe scaling patterns around the sole and sides of the foot
Groin Symptoms
Tinea cruris, also called jock itch is the ringworm groin infection. The symptoms of groin ringworm infection are:
- Infection on inner thighs and groin region
- Sores which are red or brown in color
- Blistering around the sores might occur
- Itching and redness around the infected skin area
- The inner thigh skin area can become scaly and flaky
One can get rid of ringworm infection, by using an antifungal, or over-the-counter medications like topical creams. However, if the symptoms become worse, then seek medical help.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
