When you hear the term "ringworm", what do you immediately think of? Some kind of worm right? While this is the most common thought that people have, it really has nothing to do with worms. So, what is ringworm then anyway?
What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm got its name from the reddish colored flat rings that it can cause to break out on your body. It is a highly contagious fungus that can break out on your body, feet, head, and your nails. That covers just about everywhere. The medical term for ringworm is Tinea, and each area of the body that has ringworm has a specific name. For example; on the scalp, the medical term is called Tinea Capitis. On the body it is Tinea Cororis, and on the feet it is Tinea Pedis.
What Does Ringworm Look Like?
You can usually tell if you have it by doing a self examination. On the scalp it will look like a crusty type of bump, sort of like a pimple. It may even cause you to lose your hair around the area infected.
What Is Ringworm On The Body?
This is where it can really spread. On your body it will appear as a round patch that is reddish in color. It is kind of like a flat ring that may have a clear center. It will also be scaly to the touch, and will most certainly itch like crazy. If you've had it before you know what I am talking about. It is also why it is so easy to spread. In more severe cases you can get several different areas on the body with ringworm on them. They can even overlap one another. The most common area for it is in the groin area.
What Is Ringworm On The Feet?
On the feet it is also referred to as athletes foot. This causes the cracking of your skin between your toes. Athletes foot is all too common in locker rooms everywhere. It can cause severe itching, and can be quite painful.
If you have ringworm in the nails you can easily tell by the discoloration. They will also thicken and become brittle.
Ringworm can take anywhere from 10-14 days to appear once you have been exposed. It will usually last for approximately 14 days. It seems that children between 4-14 years of age are the most likely to get it. We don't exactly know why that is, but most likely because they are more susceptible to exposure in schools, gyms, and swimming pools. Adults certainly get it as well, but not as frequently.
Now, when you get asked "What is ringworm", you know more about it to discuss with them.
You can find much more information on Ringworm as well as get FREE tips and information on Ringworm at http://www.ringworm.infofroma-z.com.
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