Ringworm (aka dermatophytosis, tinea) is caused by fungal infection of the skin.

• It is called "ringworm" because the rash is circular, with a ring-like appearance

• The dermatophytes (i.e. fungi that cause parasitic infection) feed on keratin (i..e material found in the outer layer of skin, hair, nails)
• These fungi thrive on warm and moist skin, but may also survive directly on the outsides of hair shafts or in their interiors

• Dermatophytosis, including:
  • Tinea pedis (aka athlete's foot), fungal infection of the feet

Source: Wikimedia

• • Tinea unguium, fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails, and the nail bed
  • Tinea corporis, fungal infection of the arms, legs, and trunk, especially on hairless skin

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• • Tinea cruris (jock itch), fungal infection of the groin area
  • Tinea manuum, fungal infection of the hands and palm area
  • Tinea capitis, fungal infection of the scalp and hair
  • Tinea barbae, fungal infestation of facial hair
  • Tinea faciei (face fungus), fungal infection of the face
• Other superficial mycoses, not classical ringworm, since not caused by dermatophytes, including:
  • Tinea versicolor, caused by Malassezia furfur
  • Tinea nigra, caused by Hortaea werneckii

• Very common
• The word "ringworm" is a MISNOMER, sicne the cause is fungal, and NOT by parasitic worms
• Up to 20% of the population may be infected by dermatophytes at any given time
• It is especially common among people who play sports involving skin-to-skin contact, wrestling in particular. Wrestlers with ringworm may be withheld from competition until their skin condition is deemed noninfectious by the proper authorities