Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is very contagious and that can affect both humans and animals. In many cases people got infected by touching an infected animal. Cats are known to be common carriers of ringworm.

Contrary to popular belief, ringworm is not really a worm at all, but a fungal infection of the body, scalp, feet and/or nails. Ringworm can also be referred to as tinea. Ringworm originates from fungal organisms that are called dermatophytes, which have different effects on different parts of the body.

A common name for ringworm is tinea. Depending upon whereabouts on your body the ringworm appears will determine it’s precise name, for example if the ringworm appears on the head or scalp, it’s known as tinea capitis, if it is on the body, then it is known as tinea corporis and if the ringworm is found on the feet, then it is known as tinea pedis or more commonly athletes foot.

This type of ringworm is quite common. The bad thing is, you may have it and not really even know it. Here in the United States is estimated that up to 8% of the population has this form or ringworm. It really strikes children between 4-14. They are more prone to get ringworm than any other age group. If someone is a diabetic, or has cancer, they are also more susceptible to getting it. Ringworm on the scalp is also completely different than it is on the body.

Although it can also occur in adults, ringworm is very common in children and elderly people. People with weak immune system are also very susceptible to developing the disease. There are multiple forms of ringworm and the disease can affect different areas on the body: feet, crotch, back, hands, face, neck, scalp and nails.

Considering the fact that the fungal organisms responsible for causing ringworm are widespread and can’t be avoided, the only effective means of preventing the infection is proper hygiene. Good personal hygiene can prevent the development of the disease and in some cases it can even get rid of the fungal elements in the initial stages of the infection.

Arthrospores are the main cause of ringworm in humans. Although there are lots of animals contaminated with arthrospores, they usually don’t show any signs of the disease. For some reason, most animals appear to be immune to this form of fungal infection. Microsporum canis is a type of fungi that commonly infects cats.

Ringworm is caused by infection with a species of fungal organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi commonly populate the soil and they can be found everywhere in nature. Ringworm is very contagious and the fungal organisms responsible for causing the disease can either be contracted directly, through physical contact with infected people or animals, or indirectly, through physical contact with contaminated objects.

Another home remedy that many people claim to be effective against ringworm is tea tree oil. If you apply it on the skin it is said to kill the fungi there.


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