goodtoknow says: Ringworm is a common fungal infection where you get round, reddish or grey scaly, itchy patches on your skin or small bald patches on your scalp. You pick ringworm up from animals, often from your own pet, or from other people. It's highly contagious so see your doctor who can prescribe antifungal cream or an oral treatment that should clear it up in around four weeks. Don't share towels or facecloths and throw out or disinfect combs or brushes if you have ringworm of the head. Don't worry, worms don't cause this at all!

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of ringworm from patient.co.uk, read on.

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Treatment with an antifungal cream usually works well.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. (It is not due to a worm as its name implies!) There are many types of fungus germs (fungi) and some can infect the skin, nails, and hair. This leaflet just deals with ringworm of the skin (sometimes called tinea corporis). Other leaflets deal with fungal infections of the scalp (scalp ringworm), foot (athlete's foot), groin (tinea cruris), and nails.

How can you catch ringworm?

• From person to person via touching an infected person, sharing towels, etc.
• From animals. Some dogs, cats, and other pets have fungal infections on their skin. They can pass on the infection, especially to children. (Animals can be treated too if you suspect a pet is the cause. See your vet.) Farm animals can also be a source. Touching a farm gate where infected animals pass through may be enough to infect your skin.
• Fungi are common and an infection may occur 'out of the blue'.

- Next: Ringworm treatment

- Expert advice on treating ringworm
- Tips on ringworm
- 'How cream cleared up my ringworm fast'
- More info on skin disorders

• Next: Ringworm treatment

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