Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by any worm. The disease gets its name from the occurrence of round and circular worm-like rashes on the skin. Several species of fungi such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton are known to cause ringworm. 

The fungi can infect the skin of any part of the body like scalp, beard, hands, nails, groin, inner thighs, and feet. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread from infected person and even pet animals. The symptoms usually develop between 1-2  weeks post infection and generally include itchy skin, ring-shaped rash and hair loss. 

Due to its easy transmission to other body parts and to people, it is very important to take proper preventive measures such as keeping your body clean, drying off the body completely after taking shower, wearing loose clothes, and not sharing objects like brushes and combs with anyone. 

Ringworm can be treated easily with the right topical and oral antifungal medications available in the form of creams, gels, sprays, shampoos, lotions, tablets, and capsules. For the complete recovery and to avoid reoccurrence, it is necessary to complete the duration of therapy as per the recommendations of the doctor even in the absence of symptoms.