Library · Disease
Ringworm
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Ringworm, whose medical name is dermatophytosis, is a superficial skin infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes. They belong to three genera: Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum. Superficial means it stays in the upper layers of the skin.
These fungi have one specific ability: they adhere to the keratinized tissue of the skin, that is, the dead, hard layer made of keratin, the same protein found in nails and hair. The whole disease depends on that ability. It spreads by direct contact with soil, with animals or with other people.
The lesion is recognized by its pattern. It is an annular plaque, meaning ring-shaped, scaly, with a cleared center and an active border that is reddened and sometimes raised. The fungus advances along the edge and leaves behind a cleaner center where it has already been.
In brief
Ringworm of the body is a superficial skin infection caused by dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum.
Dermatophytosis depends entirely on the dermatophytes' ability to adhere to the keratinized tissue of the skin; it spreads by direct contact with soil, animals or people.
Its lesion is an annular, scaly plaque with a cleared center and an active, erythematous, sometimes raised border.
The fungus advances along the edge and leaves behind a cleaner center where it has already been.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingTinea Corporis, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated