Article by Vita Li

Ringworm or tinea is a mild and common fungal infection of the skin, scalp, feet or nails. It’s spread by direct contact with a person or animal infected with the fungus. Ringworm can also be spread indirectly through contact with articles, such as combs or clothing, or with surfaces which have been contaminated with the fungus. A child with ringworm is infectious as long as the fungus remains present in the skin lesion. The fungus is no longer present when the lesion starts to shrink. These infections can often be diagnosed by their typical appearance.On the skin, ringworm appears as a flat, growing, ring-shaped rash. The edges of the circle are usually reddish and may be raised, scaly and itchy. Another type of ringworm fungus can cause the skin to become lighter in flat patches, especially on the trunk and face. On the scalp, infection begins as a small bump and spreads outward, leaving scaly patches of temporary hair loss. On the feet, the skin between the toes scales and cracks, and blisters may be seen. On the nails, a chronic infection can cause thickening, discoloration and fragility.Ringworm is caused by fungi of several different species and not by parasitic worms. The fungi that cause parasitic infection feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. These fungi thrive on skin that is warm and moist, but may also survive directly on the outsides of hair shafts or in their interiors. In pets, the fungus responsible for the disease survives in skin and on the outer surface of hairs. It has been estimated that up to twenty percent of the population may be infected by ringworm or one of the other dermatophytoses.Clean and disinfect bathroom surfaces daily; don